I don’t know if it’s just me. Shortly after Thanksgiving I began to sense a mild vibration around me. At first, I’m never certain what it’s about but then it all comes flooding back…it’s time to start thinking about finding the perfect Christmas gift for my family and friends. On the one hand, it’s kind of fun. On the other hand, it becomes ever more challenging to find the solution that’s just right for everyone on the list. I am the kind of person who takes the time to think about what might be perfect and completely personal. And, now that most of the people on my docket have all of the stuff they’ll ever need (and more) my creative skills and imagination must come into play!

Among the many challenges extended isolation had during COVID was the strain placed on couples cooped up for months on end. Regardless of the strength of a relationship enforced togetherness can create stress. This has left couples searching for a way to rekindle the celebration of being with one another. Couples are missing “experiences”, they are missing travel time together, missing fun in the sun on a tropical beach, missing time abroad … missing sharing new experiences together as a couple. Romantic time together and dates! Couples who present a “united front” can move through tough times by reframing problems as obstacles to tackle together.* One such couple is Vicki and George Fiddler who for 15 years have been loyal patrons of the Rosewater Spa. Their united front has been a commitment to the benefits and enjoyment of couples massage.

I have a favour to ask of you. It’s a safe assumption that each of you knows someone who has been touched by cancer. While remarkable progress has been made in prevention and treatment, cancer continues to infiltrate the lives of too many women - young and old. When I created Rosewater Spa I made a commitment to myself that this business would always give back to the community and among the causes I support cancer is one of the areas where we can make a real difference in the lives of women undergoing radiation and chemotherapy. I know so many women, who ring the bell at the conclusion of their treatment and are then faced with an expectation from others that life now will return to ‘normal’. I also know from so many women that this just isn’t so. Most of them are advised that recovering from radiation and/or chemotherapy will require up to 12 months and even then there can be lingering effects.