MY NAME IS DANA AND I’M A SPA JUNKIE

I’m not really addicted; my spa-going does not jeopardize my life (it enhances it), relationships(it prolongs them) or livelihood (I only go if all my bills are paid), but I think I “spa” more than many women I know.  Every woman (except those who are phobic) should go to the spa sometime, just to know that the experience is available. Price is a factor with me (always is) and I have learned to get the most for the least.  There are different types of spas, and I know many that are good for different things.  My favorite spa, for example, does not do a good couples massage. I think it was a mis-thought in construction, but I do know where to get the best couples massage.  The spa near my house has a very nice steam room for $10.  The best spa pedicure is in Northern Michigan (the room and the girls there make it extra nice.)  There is a whole magazine about spa-going!!  The top spa in the United States a few years ago was Mii Amo in Sonoma, AZ.   Funny, that February Brenda and Don were getting married in AZ. 

IT WAS FABULOUS!  No question.

    
I had just come out of an exceptionally difficult year and needed a physical/emotional experience (my spirit was flourishing).  I took a yoga class, learned to do some meditation in their grato.  I took full benefit of every square foot of that place… in door and out door pools, oh, and the massage I got was “Watsu”.   It was a life-changing experience (mostly because my life was needing to change).  I specifically relish the time I spent journaling.  I had a yellow legal pad and took a sofa with comfy pillows in the sun and began to write and cry and nap and cry and write.  Spa attendants checked on me and brought me a beverage, but let me feel totally comfortable in my space.  I went back a couple years later.  I was far-less pathetic, but I loved it just the same.  I will go there again.

Spa-ing is like vacationing.  There is joy, anticipation and excitement in planning, and relief and sweet memory long after return.  When a friend is in a near-melt-down state, I suggest a spa day.  The best in Michigan is Immerse at the MGM in Detroit.  They really know how to do it right.  It doesn’t cost an arm and a leg but it is worth a million bux.  (I’ve never had a million bux, but I don’t imagine it would feel much better than the spa.)

Occasionally I plan a Girls’ Day at the spa.  One such day was 2 weeks ago.


  My sister and 15 wonderful women arrived as early as 8:30 and stayed as late as 6pm.  It was fun to jump in and out of the pool, whirlpool, steam room, nap, lunch and just “be” and be with people I enjoy.  We’ll do it about 3 times a year and we will be better wives, sisters and mothers for it.  It is a wonderful physical experience, appealing to all senses.  The staff is very helpful and the atmosphere is clean and calming; you know you are someone special. 

There is a day a year that is particularly difficult for me.  This year I am spending it at the spa.  I have my plans all made; I’m leaving the house at 6am to be there when they open.  I’ve the list of what I’m packing, my services are booked and I’ve even selected what I’m ordering for lunch.  This year it is a day I am actually looking forward to.  Maybe I’ll even take a batch homemade lemonade with me (future blog topic).

If you ever need any spa advice I am happy to give it to you.  If  you don’t want to go alone, I’d love to go with you.  When our last grandchild is 7 years old, I am taking Kirstynn and Alison away for a spa vacation.  I don’t know when that will be (if Miles is the last, that will be in 7 years).  I will carefully select the destination and time of year to enhance our experience.  I have a few ideas. 

But for now I’ll enjoy an occasional spa day and dream about it while I’m sitting at LuLu’s Table.