Thanks so much to all those eager folks who contacted me to cap off their year with a well-deserved treatment.  I’m officially booked for the rest of 2010!  

For those of you who are still hankering for a tune-up , how about starting the new year off with, you guessed it, a celebratory massage?  I’ll be back in action on Tuesday January 4, 2011 and welcome your appoinment inquiries.  You can reach me at (416) 831 -6719  or  michelle@softmechanic.com.  

In the meantime, weather permitting, go make yourself some snow angels.  Optional, but highly recommended accessories:  Mom’s ancient knee high Sorels (for Ottawa-sized snowbanks), a paper bag full of doughnuts, someone to help you out of that snowbank once you’re done.

Attention spontaneous appointment makers!  Here is your chance to fit in a treatment this week.   Can you feel your shoulders drop down about 2 inches, in anticipation?  Goody.

Currently still up for grabs:

Tuesday December 14:   4:30-5:30 pm

Wednesday  December 15:  anytime between 11:45 am -4:30 pm, or 5-6 pm

Friday December 17:  2:15-3:15 pm, 3:45-4:45 pm

If any of these times work for you, contact me and I’ll confirm that the appointment is still available as  soon as I can.  Here’s how to get in touch:

Calling is best if you are looking for an appointment for the same day.  (416) 831 – 6719 I’m able to check my phone messages faster in between treatments.

Emailing is great  if you’ve got a day for some back and forth.   You know I’m pretty fast at responding.  michelle@softmechanic.com

I’ve still got quite a few appointments available for the last week of December and will be posting them periodically.  Don’t hesitate to email me with your appointment inquiry.  It would be great to see you!

Wishing you all a year full of abundance, adventure and great health!

I’m off for a wee break over the next two weeks and will resume regular office hours on Thursday January 14.  I will still be returning calls and answering emails if you have any questions or appointment inquiries.

My rates will be changing effective January 1, 2010.   Please check out the updated fee schedule on my website by clicking here.  75 minute treatments are now available, for those of us who agree that an hour goes by too quickly!

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Posted in Office news Tagged: happy new year, new rates ]]> http://softmechanic.wordpress.com/2010/01/02/happy-new-year/feed/ 0 softmechanic IMG_4079 http://softmechanic.wordpress.com/2009/12/14/when-art-and-anatomy-intersect/ http://softmechanic.wordpress.com/2009/12/14/when-art-and-anatomy-intersect/#comments Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:43:18 +0000 softmechanic http://softmechanic.wordpress.com/?p=254 ]]>

This weekend was a visual feast of local arts and crafts at the annual City of Craft event, held this year at the lovely Theatre Centre.   A quick walk  along Queen West yielded some unexpected riches of the anatomical/art variety.  Riffing off my last post about the giant colon and the awesomeness of unusual anatomical models as educational tools,  how could I not feature the fine specimen below?

Is that intestine made out of chenille? Organs and bones never looked so cozy!

One of many art installations included in the City of Craft, Lab #4 is the creation of Saskatchewan-based artist Shanell Papp.  Her current work focusses on the aspects of  fragility and vulnerability that the human body and textiles share.   You can read more about her work right here and you can see it in person at The Knit Cafe in Parkdale.

In a similar vein, click on the link to see this knitted digestive system by Oregon-based Matie Trewe, which has been in my “weirdly awesome” folder for awhile now.   Junior high would’ve been way more fun  if something like it had been part of  my science or home ec curriculum!

For those who might be put off by the more graphic nature of the Body Worlds exhibit, this may present itself as a less macabre introduction to Anatomy 101.  Here are some internal organs, you might just want to cuddle up to and get to know better!  Is my enthusiasm catching on yet?   Aww, c’mon.

The Giant Colon: encouraging you to discuss the "unmentionables" with your health care providers.

White Coat Black Art is a show on CBC Radio One that has been piquing my interest as of late.  Hosted by Dr. Brian Goldman, the program takes you behind the doors of doctors offices and ERs to demystify the world of medicine.  I find it a really accessible show that engages listeners with lively interviews, lots of humour and surprising candor.   The show aims to ” explore the tension between hope and reality: between what patients want, and what doctors can deliver.  Doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals will explain how the system works, and why, with a refreshing and unprecedented level of honesty.”

Most recent episode  topics include talking about “the unmentionables”  with your doctor (the intro starts with a clip from the family guy that is priceless), the sanctity of patient confidentiality with the rise of celebrity docs doing television and writing books about their careers, violence on the job: the occupational hazards of working as paramedic, and how the health care system treats obesity – from the perspective of those who specifically treat obese patients and the doctors who are obese themselves.

White Coat, Black Art airs on CBC Radio One Saturdays at 10 am and replayed Mondays at 11:30 am.
You can also listen to the podcasts here .

Jamie Ridler is a Toronto-based life coach who re-launched her gorgeous new website this Fall.  In addition to coaching, Jamie is also busy creating podcasts, book blogging, running workshops, and interviewing other creative souls to help light the fire and inspire.  How lucky was I to have recently been asked to participate in her new Featured Client series?  You can read more about my experience in Jamie’s Authentic Professionalism workshop right here.

p.s. Jamie also has a pretty great about page.  I love a few random facts thrown in with all the impressive qualifications.

p.p.s  Want to know why I’m so darn happy in that photo? It was taken after a strenuous 6 hour hike, on an extremely windy day,  in one of my favourite places in the entire world, Point Reyes National Park in Marin County, CA.  Elated to have made it all the way to the tip of Tomales Point and back without being blown off the cliffs, we had just stoked the fire and run a bath in our tricked out cabin’s soaker tub.  Yup, smiles all around.  And I love the colour green.

Mighty Mouse, keeping a watchful eye over my green zebra tomatoes.

Lately it seems like I’ve been so busy in the kitchen, that regular posting has suffered a wee bit.  I’m here to make amends and sing the praises of feeding your soul, and your belly,  through the creative act of cooking (if you’re into that sort of thing!).  As I’m sure you’ve noticed,  local produce is in abundance at farmer’s markets, grocery stores, and even the softmechanic garden.  This spring, I recall planting my puny heirloom tomato seedlings and naively thinking that I was wasting prime real estate by spacing everything out so much.  Little did I know of the epic and sprawling force of indeterminate tomato plants and the rainforest-like cover of a zucchini leaf.  A machete seemed like a totally reasonable substitute for my wimpy pruners, but I didn’t want to scare the neighbours!

It comes as no surprise that each fruit and vegetable has a unique combination of vitamins, minerals, fiber and nutrients that our bodies can benefit from.  Nutritionists and dieticians often suggest “eating a rainbow” as an easy way to ensure a varied diet and keep ourselves healthy.  If that isn’t enough incentive to pillage the stands at your local farmer’s market, how about some purely hedonistic reasons, like tasty softmechanic-tested recipes?  Sadly, wordpress does not include smell-o-vision or a scratch and lick feature with their free blog templates.  We’ll survive, I suppose.

Earlier in the season, before the lettuce bolted in the garden, I was shredding up romaine leaves and picking thai basil and mint with unrelenting abandon to make summer rolls.  Julienne some carrots and cucumber, roast some jumbo shrimp, soak some wraps,  find your favourite recipe for dipping sauce and bob’s your uncle.

open mouth, insert summer roll.

When the squash plants were pushing out a specimen per day, and the romance with zucchini bread was long over, it was time to search the internet for inspiration.  I was not disappointed.  Enter zucchini noodles with pesto , via the amazing Seattle-based food blog Tea and Cookies.  This was my go-to recipe for summer 2009, and I’m still not sick of it yet.  It was also a good excuse to make homemade pesto.  The basil plants never had a chance.  mwah ha ha ha…

"Ohh Nooo!" Even Mr. Bill thinks these zucchini noodles are rad.

Lately I have been feeling green with envy as my clients regale me with tales of their triumphant preserving and pickling exploits (yes, I’m talking about you, ravenous pickle eater!  And you, $10 tomato bushel from Prince Edward County-buyer!).  While I haven’t been ambitious enough to leap into the world of canning quite yet, I did take a crack at  slow-roasted tomatoes with chewy, spicy, tangy results.  They taste great shredded in the zucchini noodles, on top of pizza, and tucked into a grilled cheese sandwich.   Check out Orangette’s version, with sea salt and coriander.

before

after

With the arrival of peaches and cream corn, things got  fritter-tastic  and custard-rific in the softmechanic kitchen.   After reading the recipe for roasted corn pudding in acorn squash from the 101 cookbooks blog, I knew it was time to make the magic happen.  From humble beginnings, these simple ingredients are transformed into a dish with comforting textures, delicate flavours and most importantly, the wow-factor of using a veggie as a cooking vessel.  Trust me, this is step up from artichoke dip in a pumpernickel loaf.  (Click on the recipe link above, to see some really amazing food photography by Heidi.)

squash-tastic

assembling the corn pudding ingredients

Et voila!

the money shot

If you’ve made it to the end of this epic post, you will be rewarded with a recipe  for some killer corn fritters.  I have no idea where I cribbed it from, but it has been in the softmechanic repertoire for years now.  If you’re not feeling like the tart and spicy dipping sauce,  I imagine these would also go really well with some bacon and maple syrup on the side.   I don’t know about you, but I’m totally feeling the rainbow right now.  fin.

Really hot corn fritters. Don't forget to let them cool off a bit, or you'll end up making this face.

Corn Fritters with Sweet Chile Sauce

Sauce:

1 red jalapeno, finely chopped (green works too, but red is pretty.  you may need to use less depending on how hot it is)

1/2 cup rice vinegar

1 tsp salt

1/3 cup sugar

1 small clove garlic, minced

In a small saucepan, combine  all the ingredients and stir over low heat until sugar dissolves, aprox 2 mins.  Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for 5 minsutes or until the mixture thickens to a slightly syrupy consistency.  Remove from heat and set aside to cool while making the fritters.  It will thicken as it cools.

Fritters:

1/2 cup rice flour

1/2 cup flour

1/4 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp ground coriander

1/2 tsp fround cumin

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 tsp lemon juice

1/2 cup water

2 cups fresh corn kernals, aprox 3 cobs

4 spring onions, finely sliced

3 Tbsp chopped cilantro, or parsley

oil

In a bowl, sift together flours, baking powder, salt, coriander an dcumin.  Add the egg, lemon juice and water. Beat until smooth.  Add corn, spring onions, cilantro and stir just until combined.  In a large frying pan, pour in enough oil to generously cover the bottom.  When the oil is hot, but not smoking, spoon 2 tablespoons of batter for each fritter into the pan,  at least a half inch apart, flattening the fritter slightly.  Cook over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown underneath.  Turn and cook the other side.  Transfer to a platter lined with paper towels to absorb the excess grease, before serving immediately with sauce.  Note:  Use a splatter screen to cover the pan, if you’ve got one.  Those super hot stray kernals hurt like crazy when they fly up out of the pan, into your face.  Yes, I’m speaking from experience.  I find using leftover corn, roasted on the barbeque, doesn’t pose the same hazard, as the kernals have less water content.

I'm all ears.

I have always been envious of people who can start a conversation with just about anyone.  There are those who, in addition to the gift of gab, also have the ability to ask really great questions,  draw out answers you didn’t even think you had in you,  and make you feel like you’ve been truly heard.  Do you remember the last time you felt that way around someone?  Those people leave me feeling awestruck and even a little teary-eyed (in the best way).

I am grateful to know a handful of people who fall into this category, and I tell you, they are always invited to dinner.  It is my secret hope that, over chicken pot pie and apple crisp, I will be able to absorb some of that gift through osmosis.

I imagine that the creators behind  One in 8 million, would make excellent dinner guests.  It’s an amazing series being run in the New York Times, that spurs on my love for great story-telling and interviewing.  If you love a good yarn, as much as I do, you will enjoy the incredible documentary photography and compelling tales of new yorkers from all walks of life, in their own words.   (I especially liked the wacky ‘treasure hunter’.)

In a similar vein, here are some other podcasts that I love:   Storycorps, The Moth, and the ever-popular This American Life.

Who are the great listeners and story tellers in your life?

I don’t know if summer is coming or going these days, what with the weather we’re having in Toronto.  Today, the sky is blue, the sun is shining and I’m voting for summer to stay a little while longer.

After my last post about staying well watered before (and after) a treatment, I thought I’d bust out this very loose formula to brighten up nature’s finest.  Having worked at a spa for a few years, I have seen how a lowly pitcher of tap water can be elevated to “restorative elixir” status by a few slices of citrus or cucumber.  These “recipes” are given a twist with the addition of fresh herbs.

Grapefruit Basil Water

Thinly slice 1 ruby red grapefruit, 1 orange and 1 lime.  In a large pitcher or oversized glass jar, muddle (gently bruise with a wooden spoon or use a muddler if you’ve got one) a handful of fresh basil leaves.  Add aprox 8 cups of water and allow to stand, refrigerated for a couple of hours before serving in your favourite novelty glasses.

Substitute mint for basil and you’ve got another great combination.

Citrus Thyme Water

This recipe is from the beautiful food blog Sunday Suppers.  It is worth a visit for the food photography alone.  I would half the quantities for a smaller batch.

Thinly slice 3 oranges, 3 lemons and 3 limes. To 2 gallons of water, add the citrus slices and a handful of thyme sprigs. Let stand refrigerated for at least 2 hours before drinking.

How much water should you be drinking?  The Mayo clinic makes recommendations here.

An article from the Montreal Gazette on the effects of drinking too much water, here.

One of the many great suggestions put forth by softmechanic readers was for a post on how to prolong that post-massage, blissed-out state.  That one is in the works (thanks Jamie) and it got me thinking about the perfect predecessor, how to set the stage for a great treatment before you even get on the table.  Here are my top ten suggestions to start the process off on a high note.

1. Timing.  It isn’t everything, but it sure helps.

Take into consideration what else you have planned before and after the treatment.  I have learned the hard way that buying a lot of heavy groceries beforehand, means an arduous streetcar ride home.  Trust me, carrying a 4 kilo bag of basmati rice  really take the buzz out of  all that glorious head, neck and shoulder massage work.  Dental appointments, strenuous work-outs, and paint-ball, also fall into that category of post-massage “what was I thinking?”.  Pick a treatment time that really works for your schedule.  If you can never predict what time you’ll be able to leave the office, maybe an evening appointment is not the best choice.   I worked with a client who told me that while her office hours were relatively peaceful , it was the packed, rush-hour subway ride to get to the massage appointment that left her frazzled.  Simply switching to a saturday treatment time, allowed her to travel at her leisure and took that stress factor out of the equation.  Easy peasy.

2.  Travelling from point A to point B:  More is more.

Living in the big city, we consider  construction, traffic delays and detours  a year-round occurance. Try to budget in lots of extra time to get lost, find parking, walk a little further when you miss your streetcar stop, etc and save yourself the aggravation.  Being 5 minutes early for your appointment  is always better than being  5 minutes late.  Speaking from experience, it is never fun having to rush and worry about getting  to your relaxing treatment on time.

3.  Communication.  Whatchoo talkin’ about Willis?

You know what I’m talkin’ about.  At every step of the treatment let your RMT know how you are feeling.  That  includes the time spent during your client intake, before the massage begins.   I know this one seems obvious, so just consider it a reminder.   Tell your RMT how you reacted to your last treatment, so that they know that your current treatment plan is working or so they can adjust it accordingly.   Maybe you normally get lots of specific work on your legs, but yesterday’s work-out has left you walking like a cowboy and hankering for more time spent on your back and neck.  Maybe you couldn’t sleep last night and need a treatment that focuses on promoting restful zzzss tonight.  We want to know!

4.  Silence or Small talk.  Your choice.

RMTs do need to check in with you, periodically,  during a treatment for a variety of reasons (eg change in position,  use of a technique that requires client feedback, etc.),  all to ensure a comfortable and safe treatment.  That doesn’t mean that you need to be swapping pesto recipes or comparing movie reviews.  Unless you want to!  I always try to remember to tell clients at the beginning  of their treatment, not to feel obligated to make small talk if what they are hankering for is blissful silence.   I have heard too many horror stories of Chatty Cathies, who just didn’t take the hint when their clients stopped answering questions.  If that has happened to you, don’t forget to mention it to your RMT so that they can make sure your next treatment is a more positive , and quiet, experience.

5.  Ask questions

No question is a silly one (and even if they are, I’m a pro and will keep a straight face).  I want you to be able to enjoy your treatment without that unanswered query burning in your mind.  Yes, you can wear your socks if you like.  Yes, I have music other than rolling waves and zen garden chimes to listen to.  No, we don’t have to massage your scalp if you’re going out to dinner later.   I have a pretty mean bouffant up my sleeve, though.

6.  Take a technology break.  Try it, you’ll like it.

It’s Murphy’s Law that just as you start to drift off into a blissful state of relaxation, your cell phone will ring.  And it will be the Abba remix ringtone.  Give your thumbs a rest and shut off the blackberry, before it starts to buzz.

7.  Feed and water, like your favourite house plant

Give yourself a couple of hours to properly digest a meal, before your treatment.  That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a small snack, if you’re feeling peckish.  Hunger pangs can be very distracting!   If you have a condition that requires monitoring your blood sugar levels, make sure the timing of your massage is appropriate to your routine.  Keep yourself well-hydrated during the day but  maybe avoid the 32-oz Big Gulp right before your massage.   And if your stomach does start to growl during a treatment, don’t be embarrassed.  It happens all the time.  It might not even be you, it could be your RMT , or we can attribute it to the fact that your digestive system is less inhibited when you are relaxed.  Yes, THAT’S  the reason. I’m sure of it!

8.  Go with the flow.  Expect the unexpected?  Wax on, wax off?  Something like that…

Try to stay open to changes in your treatment plan, based on your needs for that day.  Don’t forget that, at any point and time during a massage, you can modify your treatment (eg. position you are lying in, depth of pressure, type of technique, heating pad or no, avoid or include treatment to a specific area) or end it all together.  Maybe you took a pain killer before you came to the treatment, in which case we need to adjust pressure and avoid certain types of modalities to take into consideration your altered perception of pressure, temperature and pain.

9.  Taking  care of business:  Your health history

Most people, when they arrive, just want to throw themselves down on the massage table as quickly as possible (A show of hands, please? Yup, I feel the same way!). I want to get to the best part as well, but having a complete and accurate picture of your current health state is key.

If this is your first time working with a new RMT, come prepared. As with any visit to a registered health care professional, you will need to fill out a health history  form prior to your treatment to ensure that a safe and effective treatment can be designed for you.  Write down the names of your medication, if they are hard to remember.  Jot down the names of other health care practitioners you are working with.  Dig way back into the memory banks for other relevant information, like surgery or previous injuries…maybe that ankle fracture when you were 10 is a contributing factor to your sore feet.

If you’re a massage therapy veteran, it’s still important to update your RMT on any changes to your health history.  Don’t forget things like new medication, other forms of treatment you are receiving concurrently (eg. craniosacral, chiropractic, physiotherapy), test results, energy levels, changes in diet, changes in sleeping habits etc.  If it has been awhile since your last treatment, you’d be amazed at how much can come up!     For example, knowing that a client is trying to conceive helps me to make specific treatment modifications to ensure a safe massage in the event that she is pregnant but it is unconfirmed.  Keep your RMT in the loop!

10.  Take a deep breath and enjoy. Really.  It’s that easy.

Use this time, before you get on the table, to shake off the distractions of the day .  Give yourself kudos, and an additional high five, for making time for self-care.