Daily Inspiration Fix

"The cure for anything is salt water -- sweat, tears, or the sea."

-Isak Dinesen (pen name of Karen Blixen), author (1885-1962)

Daily Inspiration Fix

A painting from local Buffalo artist Doreen DeBoth.  When asked about her preferred subject matter, she brilliantly replies: "My intellect addresses many things in the universe."  To read the full article/interview:  click here to check out Buffalo Rising.

Daily Inspiration Fix

"That which is formless cannot be destroyed.  The formless aspect of all beings exists in eternity, impervious to beginnings or endings.  The truth seems to be that our essence is eternal, and it is only the physical body that appears to come and go in a cycle of birth and death.  What we call birth and death are actually as inseparable as two sides of a coin, or daytime and nighttime.  The question Where did I come from? is really only addressed to the I that is the physical body.  But that physical aspect originated in nonbeingness."

Dyer, Dr. Wayne W. (2010). The Shift: Taking Your Life From Ambition To Meaning. US:Hay House, Inc.

JoJo Bistro & WIne Bar - 5493 Sheridan Drive, Williamsville

http://www.restaurantjojo.com/

The first time I visited jojo I was on a date.  My date was slightly abysmal, but I was delighted to have discovered the fine wine, treasures of taste, and chic setting that jojo brought to my senses.

Setting Matters

I love love love the aesthetics of the place.  The moment I walk in I'm greeted with an open area, sleek windows, a lounging corner with couches, textural woodwork and a smiling face.  I have been back to jojo's both alone and to meet with friends, and all of my experiences have been refreshing.  I even ventured another date, which was also abysmal.  Perhaps I'm not destined to meet Mr. Right there (who knows?!), but I certainly seem to enjoy myself regardless of the company I'm with.  When I went by myself the people I shared the corner of the bar with were pleasant and open.  

I would feel comfortable in jeans and a nice top, but the attire seems to be more of a business to dressy level.  My own tendency to gussy up may influence this perception.  

The main dining area is a bit crowded, but the dim lights add to the feeling of privacy, even during afternoon hours.  The service is impeccable, at the bar as well as for sit-down dining.

The FOOD.  The food is amazing.  Gourmet cheeses and delectable plates can be paired with a sizable selection of wines.  There are tastes for every palate, and each bite is filled with savory delight.  The artful presentation of the food adds to the feeling that they are committed to excellence.

I should also mention a few of their perks, which I have yet to take advantage of:

MOOD RATING:  the bee's knees

Daily Inspiration Fix

Daily Inspiration Fix

My brother posted some inspiring words:

"When you want something, you have to dig a little deeper. You can't give up just because things don't come easy. You have to overcome the obstacles and face your fears. But in the end, it's all worthwhile. Life is full of ups and downs, but if you believe in yourself you will always come through with flying colors. Value family. Value friendships, love and faith. Never under estimate yourself. Believe in yourself and you will have a better life."

~ Unknown

The Green Spa - 5526 Main Street, Williamsville

www.wnygreenspa.com

Recently I won a 30 minute massage treatment at The Green Spa on Main Street in Williamsville!  Allow me to share my experience with you:

From the outside, the spa looks perfectly intriguing.  It has a clean organic feel.  As soon as I step through the doors, I am a little bit let down, but not entirely.  The setting is odd.  Really cool inset cubbies line the floor, which are covered in plexiglass.  Looking into them I can see smooth stones strewn about.  There is a round glass table with place settings on it.  Weird.  What strikes me as least appealing is the wall of products for sale.  My preference is to escape advertisements and the stuff of materialism vying for my attention when I come to a place like this.  Overall the main room that I walked into is airy and well put together, but there are so many intricacies that are just a little off that it throws me from my center which I'm ultimately there to find.  

The breezy woman who greets me, and who I later discover to be the owner, is Joei Marie Lucey.  She's charming and relaxed.  Instantly I am at ease.  Part of me wants to be her.  She has a healthy looking tan, glowing complexion and an open demeanor, free from anxiety.    

When I spoke to Joei on the phone to set up my appointment, she proffered the 30 infrared sauna treatment for $15.  I had recently read an article on the benefits of infrared lights and I immediately accepted, hoping for some healing on my sun damaged skin.  

The Sauna Experience  

I enjoy the heat, and the way my skin prickles with sweat.  I enjoy the quiet enclosure, with the sound of relaxing music drifting in.  However, the pole holding up the privacy curtain falls down and I notice some white spots on the towel I'm sitting on.  Ew.  I am slightly anxious for a few other reasons, too.  I've never been in a sauna of any kind without getting claustrophobic and anxious, and it feels hot.  Really hot.  Can these things malfunction?  Will she find my roasted carcass in 25 minutes?  I decide to calm my mind and trust that everything will be just fine.  After about 20 minutes Joei taps on the outside of the cedar box and I see her place some "Detox" tea on the table outside.  She hangs up the curtain so I regain my privacy and after I get out she hands me my requested towel and fresh bathrobe.  When she does this, she notices that "I really have it cranked up!" and she turns the heat down to 104 degrees from 109.  My eyes get big for a moment.  I knew it was hot!  Overall I enjoy my sauna experience.  But that's because it was my choice to.

The Hand Massage Treatment

Joei herself seems to be the one man show at this spa.  I wonder to myself if the business is failing.  Throughout the hand massage, where she wraps my hands in hot, moist towels, gives me a sugar-scrub and massages my forearms and palms, we have a discussion about her business and how she just gained ownership.  Generally, I enjoy silence during spa treatments, but this somehow seems more comfortable carrying on with banter.  Besides, I'm genuinely curious about this kind woman's plight.  From what she tells me, she runs a lucrative business and this Friday night was exceptionally slow.  I'm secretly happy for that.  Part of what she does here is bridal parties, and other group parties where every person gets two treatments for $60.  Groups are allowed to bring in their own food and drinks.  I am quiet about my skepticism of how fun she makes these group sessions sound.  The area doesn't seem conducive to parties, but who am I to say?  I notice that Joei massages my right hand much better than my left, probably because that's the side she's standing on.  After it is over we awkwardly part and I get dressed.  

The bathroom, which I go to after I get dressed, is a terrible space for a woman.  No spots to put things down.  A tiny mirror, angled funny.  I felt discombobulated and out of place.  I manage to get myself put together for my night out, then I rejoin Joei in the front room.  

My exit from the spa is less graceful as Joei seems intent on selling me some organic juice stuff that will help with autoimmune disorders.  I'm really not interested, but I humor her.  She literally sees me to the door, which seems a bit overkill.  It was like a date that may have gotten a second chance, but the attraction was killed by the suitors' appearance of desperation.  I was done, and happy to leave.

Nice place, nice girl, nice experience.  Nice, not excellent.    

MOOD RATING:  pleasant