Message from Gail Sharp

May 2025

I had to say goodbye to my beloved pet steer Okie Doke this morning. I'm heartbroken.

You may remember past newsletter columns talking about him and the joy he brought to my little ranch. Unfortunately, Okie decided to start pushing through our fence regularly, getting out onto a busy road. He has gotten quite big and it was challenging to get him and his playful "I've escaped" demeaner back into his 5-acre pasture. The grass is greener was true for Okie. So, I found a home for him in Bennett at a place where the people already had a pet cow that needed a friend. What a relief as finding a home for a pet cow ain't simple.

The decision to rehome him was not easy, but it was the best choice for all concerned – including Okie. But, it still sucks. And, yes, I know, he's a cow. How close can anyone really get to a cow for goodness sakes? Let me tell you. Pretty damned close! He brought such joy to everyone in my neighborhood, laughter to all of us with his mooing and playing, and a special unique bond that most of us would never have with an animal.

Perhaps you've had to make these "it's for the best" decisions yourself. Necessary, but oh so hard. In the midst of my tears and my worries (Is this the right thing? Will he have a good home? Could I have done more?) I have to work to remind myself that I can only control my reaction to this situation. I can focus on my grief and my fear or I can be grateful for the time Okie and I had together. So tonight, when I feed my animals, I will be trying very hard to think of my friendship and joy with Okie and not my loss.

I send hope that you too can reframe your sad times into what you had instead of what you lost. May is a lovely month to focus on new life, beautiful weather, flowers, our mothers, and being outside. YAY Spring!

Gail Sharp is the owner of TallGrass Spa and Salon. Email her at sharpgail@aol.com .

Spring Seasonal Services

Stone Crop Mani and Pedi Springtime rejuvenation!
Enjoy the earthy, clean-scented pleasures of Eminence Organics Stone Crop as it hydrates, heals, and minimizes hyper pigmentation. A stone crop salt and sugar scrub, followed by stone crop body oil and body lotion massages for hands and feet, and stone crop mask while wrapped in warm slippers and/or gloves are moisturizing, nourishing and refreshing. These mani and pedi services can be booked separately or together.

Spring Equinox Body Treatment Lighter, toned, and hydrated!
Release toxins, improve digestion, and tone the body with an herbal mud masque applied to the abdomen, thighs, and back followed by lymphatic cupping and contouring. Then, a sculpting and flushing of remaining toxins and an application of Eminence Monoi Body Cream firms and tightens your skin.

Vitamin "Sea" Facial Smoother, plumper, more youthful looking skin!
Citrus and sea themes help to increase firmness and provide long-lasting hydration by toning and refreshing with Eminence's Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser, Pineapple Refining Tonique, and vitamin C-packed Citrus and Kale Potent C+E Masque. Fine lines and wrinkles are diminished as skin soaks in algae extracts from Marine Flower Peptide Serum, eye cream, and moisturizer.

May Products of the Month
Chrono Eyes from Vie Collection
Get ready to treat wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness with Chrono Eyes peptide formula and achieve a smoother eye area, reduced signs of fatigue, and relaxed expression lines at 20% savings in May.

Give the moms in your life the perfect escape

There's nothing quite like the gift of TallGrass. You can purchase a lovely printable gift certificate – so easy! – right from our website, or visit the spa – we’d love to see you! – to pick up a traditional certificate and add a little something special from our Eco-Chic Boutique!

Available for Adoption

Harry
Domestic short hair, male, 14 yrs

Harry is definitely a snuggle bug! He has a big personality and loves to be a lap cat. When Harry is hungry, he follows you around and definitely lets you know it's time to eat. He is also very particular about his food, since he now has no teeth. Harry loves to nap but sometimes you'll catch him getting the zoomies, playing with toys, throwing them up in the air, chasing as if he was a kitten again. Coming from a very hard life, we really hope Harry gets the best possible home with lots and lots of love and attention. He deserves it! 

Available for adoption at Evergreen Animal Protective League
www . EAPL . com

Note: Your visit to TallGrass is a chance to unwind and disconnect. Keep in mind that cell service and WiFi are unreliable here. Also, GPS reception could become blocked and navigation can be lost.