Message from Gail Sharp

December 2025

I sometimes wonder if there is something wrong with me that I am most comfortable being alone, or at least alone with my critters.

It might come from being an only child in a family with few aunts, uncles, cousins. We never had those big, joyfully loud holiday events. It was usually just the three of us. Though my plan was to marry young and have kids, my life took several turns and that didn't happen. So, I've become accustomed to quiet.

I just went to a friend's house for Thanksgiving. She is a great cook, a gracious hostess and opens her home to many of us who don't have families. It is always a wonderful day full of food and friends. However, for me, it can be overwhelming at times - the noise, the chaos right before dinner. Is this really weird? I am often the first to leave an event, loving to be there but also loving to leave. I can only pray that my friends accept my eccentric behavior with an indulgent "Oh well, that's Gail – we still love her."

This acceptance which I so need and appreciate reminds me that I, too, must accept and love those around me who do and say things that might not be exactly like me. The ability to accept and let go of judgements and the need to control other people might be one of the most important roads to peace, especially in our political climate but also in our groups of families, friends, coworkers. What if we could give each other a bit of grace and understanding? As someone with a thousand flaws, what a gift your acceptance of me can be!

I hope to put acceptance and grace into this holiday season and into 2026. I can do better. Be kinder. Seek to understand. And, when I'm leaving early from an event, I hope you'll do the same for me! 😊

I wish you a peaceful, loving holiday – whether surrounded by family and friends or joyfully alone. We at TallGrass appreciate your loyalty and friendship! Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!    

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

Seasonal Services
Visit TallGrass this month and try one – or all three! –of our seasonal services, sure to delight you with the aromas, natural ingredients, and warmth of the season.

The Harvest Glow Facial is an anti-oxidant treatment that includes a double cleanse, skin analysis, and a gentle peel. Yam and pumpkin naturally brighten while lime stimulates circulation for a healthy glow. A hand and arm massage with warming mitts is also included along with a Gua Sha facial ritual.

An aromatic massage-scrub combo, our Fall Equinox Massage & Scrub begins with a Cranberry Pomegranate sugar scrub, followed by a full body massage featuring aromas of cinnamon and clove. An application of Eminence's citrus Yuzu Body Oil completes your experience. And, it's your choice to add an Apricot Oil Scalp Elevation!

Our Warming Turmeric and Gemstone Pedicure is formulated with turmeric, citrine gemstones, and zeolite in a fluffy foot masque that increases circulation and envelopes your feet in warmth. The turmeric treatment is followed by a foot and leg massage with stonecrop oil and lotion. As always, nail maintenance and your choice of polish is included.

Products of the Month
All the Candles in our Boutique! 

We love decorating with candles at holiday time. Now, during December, with 20% savings on every candle in our boutique, we invite you to fill your home with aroma, glow, and welcoming charm, too!

Eminence Organics Special
When you make an in-person purchase of a TallGrass traditional gift certificate for $200 or more, our gift to you is your choice of a complimentary Eminence Neroli Age Corrective Hydrating Mist (value $39) or a Stone Crop Hydrating Mist (value $39).

Skin Care Blog
Retinol: Everyone is talking about it

Do you wonder if you should add retinol to your skin care routine?  Check in with our esthetician Ashley Johnson and find out if it's right for you.

Available for Adoption

Chip
Pit Bull Terrier, male, 1 yr

Handsome. Spirited. Heart full of Love. That's Chip, a goofy fellow whose sense of humor will keep you smiling. Chip loves cuddling and being close to his favorite people. His energetic nature means he's always ready for playtime, walks, or any kind of adventure with an active family or someone looking to add a fun-loving, affectionate companion to their life.

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.