Message from Gail Sharp

February 2026

It's Love Month and I am writing about something that doesn't seem to fit into this month of hearts and flowers and yet it's vitally connected to love.

Death. This month, one of my dearest friends passed away, just 5 short weeks after a tough diagnosis. We are stunned and devastated. But her passing reminded me of the importance of being prepared – at any time – for your own or your loved one's transition from this life. I know it's difficult. So many people say "yeah, we know we need to do this but we don't want to talk about it." Do it anyway.

Do you and your family have a clear written plan for when the time comes? Have you clearly communicated your desires about your end-of-life care? Do you have a will clearly stating what should happen to your estate?

I believe having this plan is one of the most loving, caring, compassionate gifts you can give to your loved ones. Please don't leave this to your children, parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and friends to wonder and disagree about. Help them get through the heartbreaking days surrounding death. Don't wait. Have this loving conversation now.

Okay, I'm off my soapbox. And now, I'll redirect to the more joyful, playful side of this winter month of love. As I've said before, you are lucky if you have found your true love but you do not need a "romantic love" to celebrate. You can embrace the opportunity to share – love notes, little gifts, warm hugs, sweet treats – whatever you have – with those around you. Including strangers. It's the perfect way to brighten February!    

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

Seasonal Services

If peppermint and vanilla sound good to you, or maybe something more exotic like mushroom, ashwagandha, and turmeric are your vibe, we have your winter's rest and recovery lined-up.

Winter Solstice Massage & Wrap includes a full body Chocolate Truffle Wrap with peppermint and vanilla essential oils, a soothing facial/sinus Cryo-Thermal Massage, a customized Full Body Massage, and an application of Ashwagandha Ultra Rich Restorative Cream. As aromatic Palo Santo or Sweetgrass burns, the soothing sound of Singing Bowls makes your experience complete.

Winter Wellness Facial features adaptogenic ingredients like snow mushroom, ashwagandha, and turmeric. Added benefits from the use of the Cryo-Thermal Sculpting Tool and a cool Gemstone Facial melt away tension to leave you balanced, brightened, and shielded from the dehydrating effects of winter.

Organic Coconut Pedicure heals with a Coconut Sugar Scrub exfoliation, followed by a Coconut Firming Body Lotion and Apricot Oil foot and leg massage, and then hydration and renewal with a Firm Skin Açaí Mask. All maintenance and your choice of polish are, of course, always included.   

February Specials

Jane Iredale Lips and Eyes
Brighten Up with Color

Brighten your eyes in February when all Jane Iredale makeup for lips and eyes – from lip stains, lipsticks, and lip pencils to eye shadow, eyeliner, and mascara – are offered at 20% savings.

Eminence Organics Specials
Hydrating and Saving

Purchase an Ashwagandha Ultra-Rich Restorative Cream and receive a complimentary Kombucha Microbiome Balancing Essence (value $52).

Make an in-person purchase of a traditional gift certificate for $250 or more and receive a complimentary Apricot Body Oil (value $34).

Available for Adoption

Morty
Bull Terrier, large adult male,7 yrs

Morty is a clowny, mischievous, energetic wiggling ball of goofiness with a built-in entertainment mode. Time to eat? He becomes a spinning top on the kitchen dance floor. Car rides? He goes bonkers before jumping in to cruise. Kennel? Just leave the door open so he can come and go like it's his private VIP lounge. In his more contemplative moments, Morty lives for serious belly rubs and even more serious snuggle sessions. Ready for all that action? Morty is your guy!

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.