29/09/2025
As I sit and post this video during the Helene anniversary, a spider and her intricate impressive web are getting washed away. "Down came the rain and washed the spider out".
Helene 'washed' me out. But have no fear, "Out came the sun and dried up all the rain. And the Itsy-Bitsy spider climbed up the spout again".
Here's what's been happenings for my very meaningful Meditation + Massage practice since Helene:
💛 I've had the honor to care for 450+ WNC community members and visitors, providing them with a restful place to escape the chaos and Just Be.
🩷I've setup my massage table at 4 different locations! Big thanks to Natalie with Bird Cabins and Lindsey with Appalachian Trail-er for donating temporary space immediately following the storm.
💚I re-opened 'permanently' in March 2025 within the historic Spring Creek Community Center.
💙I got a scholarship to attend Esalen (the mecca of healing in the West!) and study 'Meditation & Esalen Massage' with Esalen legends Peggy Horan & Jessica Fagan! OMG, a dream come true!!!
💜I worked at two of the best massage centers/spas in Asheville alongside some of the best practitioners, including Exhale and Ebb & Flow Massage Therapy Center.
🩵I attended Advanced Esalen Training with another Esalen legend, Dean Marson.
🩷I opened a 2nd 'permanent' location in West Asheville in June 2025.
🧡I received a scholarship and received my 'Mindfulness Meditation Teacher' certification in September 2025 with Senior Buddhist Teacher David Nichtern .
What a year!!!🥳
Much love to everyone who offered me support and encouragement.🙏
Especially...
💓My extremely compassionate mom, Shelley Odendahl, for always lovingly listening and wiping away my tears (over the phone).🙏🙏
💓My loyal loving husband, Keith MacDonald, for hauling that massage table all over the place, cleaning up mud, keeping the bathtub and my wine glass full on the hard days, hanging Christmas lights when I could barely lift my head, being my Chief Editor as I pick out slogans & color schemes, making the best signs, hanging pictures & curtain rods (again), and sitting through another boring 'Open House'.🙏🙏🙏
And lastly, thank you Helene, Earth, Universe, God for teaching me and always providing for me.
This is my time to be alive!!! What a Gift✨✨✨
Peace and love to All.
May we all be safe, well, happy, and live with ease.
Brooke