“We find after years of struggle that we don’t take a trip; a trip takes us.”
– John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley; In Search of America
Well…here it is another week later and we’re all another week older and wiser, myself included.
I think.
Have you ever been in the middle of an experience and something didn’t feel quite right?
I had a sports massage by a male massage therapist last week and although nothing went particularly wrong, the experience didn’t feel entirely right either. Too many grunts and groans (from him) perhaps…or maybe it was the way his face (and other body parts – but NOT the dipstick, thank goodness!) just seemed to be closer to me than necessary. Or maybe it was the way he said my name…multiple times?
Or a combination of all of the above.
As a woman traveling alone, I am adamant about personal safety. I do everything in my power to ensure I don’t put myself or Sadie in potentially unsafe situations. So when I booked that massage, I did my best to choose a seemingly reputable place. And to be honest, I think it was a reputable place. I just think my massage therapist was trying to let me know that, if I was interested (I wasn’t), he was open to the possibility of…a little post-massage activity.
Or maybe I read the whole thing wrong?
But I don’t think so. And the relief I felt when I got back to my car told me I was probably right.
Other than that odd and rather uncomfortable experience, Sadie and I had an awesome week!
As promised, here are a few photos of my beautiful little (and oh-so-quiet) bungalow by the sea VRBO in Florence:
The lived-in look 🙂
The 10-minute trek to the beach was quite something, though. It’s called the hobbit trail – for good reason!
My pink gazelle Adidas in action!
And then voila! The beach:
We also climbed some HUGE dunes…and then ran down them!
I have fond memories of traipsing the dunes of Florence from past trips. John and I were there on our honeymoon in 1996. It was so windy at the very top of one of the dunes, we opened up our arms and leaned right into the wind without falling over! Then in 2010, my friend, Terri, and I stopped in Florence on a big road trip with Sable and Soda (my old Shepherds). Sable was 13 at that point and blind, so she stayed in the car. Soda, Terri and I huffed and puffed our way to the top of a massive dune. Soda was 10 and rather hefty but she made it!
Sadie half-way down a dune…hurry up, Momma!
We are now in Crescent City in Northern California, hiking in the spectacular Redwoods. Photos to come!
Take care and have a super week 🙂
If you are new to reading about this writing road trip, here are the previous blogs:
Maryanne Pope is the author of A Widow’s Awakening, the playwright of Saviour and the screenwriter of God’s Country. Maryanne is CEO of Pink Gazelle Productions and Chair of the John Petropoulos Memorial Fund.If you would like to receive her regular weekly blog, please sign up here. As a thank you, you’ll receive a short but saucy e-book entitled, Dive into this Chicago Deep Dish – Ten Bite-Sized Steps for a Yummier Slice of Life.
14 thoughts on “Dipstick Theme Continues – Don’t Get Excited”
That massage does sound like something to be cautious about! Hell no would I want to be put in that kind of position. Continue to be vigilant, there’s lots of creeps out there!….Your rentals always intrigue me as I’m planning on renting in five years; something different from the typical AirBnB or hostel. I’d love to pick your brain on value per dollar. Business week-end someday?
Whew! I’m glad you’re OK. I had a massage from a man that felt a lot like that around 1967 (and I still remember). After that, I chose massage with women although I still did some body work with men–but things like cranial-sacral work or chiropractic. A bit less sensual. I love a woman’s touch.
So happy to hear your trip is going well and you are finally getting to travel. Trust your gut as it doesn’t steer you wrong. It is sometimes a very reliable tool. Continue to have fun and be safe.
What a dipstick! Glad all’s well xo
You two look so happy! I love seeing photos of you both!!
love from here
Pamela
You find the neatest retreats Maryanne! Not so sure about the massage treat? Life has it’s experiences! Safe travels! K
Yeah…the massage experience I could have done without! Chalk it up to yet another life experience 🙂
Maryanne
Love back at ya, Pamela! Yes…life on the road does seem to rather suite Sadie & I 🙂 I am so happy that she seems to be loving it…all the great walks & smells and new places to explore.
Take care and I hope things are going well with you,
ma
ahahahahaha…all is great, Park! Hope you guys are doing awesome 🙂
Big hugs,
love ma
Hi Rosemary…it’s great to hear from you! Yes…you are so right about the importance of trusting our gut. How are you doing?
Take care,
Maryanne
Hi Elaine! Yes…I try and get massages from female therapists as I feel more comfortable. After that incident, I will for sure keep to women massage therapists – unless the guy is recommended by someone I know & trust.
My friend, Pamela, has done some cranial-sacral work on me…it is quite something, isn’t it?!
Take care,
Maryanne
YES! Let’s add the rental topic to the many others we have to chat about when we next meet. I may be out your way in October or December.
I have really enjoyed the VRBO rentals I have chosen…each one has been unique but very much what the photos & descriptions said they were going to be. And best of all is that I have my own kitchen, so can cook my own meals. When I do stay in motels, I have to eat out most of the time. Although I have coffee & breakfast down pat…oatmeal, almonds & a banana!
Take care and I hope things are going well,
ma
I had a similar experience with a male physiotherapist getting a little too close for comfort. I agree; trust your gut. If it doesn’t feel right it’s not.
What a gorgeous place you visited! Looking forward to the photographs of Redwoods.
Oh boy…I am sorry to hear you had a similar experience with an uncomfortable massage, Tonia. It is a creepy feeling…just off.
The Redwoods were stunning…I kept stopping the car and racing off into the woods for mini-hikes 🙂
I hope things are going well with you!
Take care,
Maryanne
14 thoughts on “Dipstick Theme Continues – Don’t Get Excited”
That massage does sound like something to be cautious about! Hell no would I want to be put in that kind of position. Continue to be vigilant, there’s lots of creeps out there!….Your rentals always intrigue me as I’m planning on renting in five years; something different from the typical AirBnB or hostel. I’d love to pick your brain on value per dollar. Business week-end someday?
Whew! I’m glad you’re OK. I had a massage from a man that felt a lot like that around 1967 (and I still remember). After that, I chose massage with women although I still did some body work with men–but things like cranial-sacral work or chiropractic. A bit less sensual. I love a woman’s touch.
So happy to hear your trip is going well and you are finally getting to travel. Trust your gut as it doesn’t steer you wrong. It is sometimes a very reliable tool. Continue to have fun and be safe.
What a dipstick! Glad all’s well xo
You two look so happy! I love seeing photos of you both!!
love from here
Pamela
You find the neatest retreats Maryanne! Not so sure about the massage treat? Life has it’s experiences! Safe travels! K
Yeah…the massage experience I could have done without! Chalk it up to yet another life experience 🙂
Maryanne
Love back at ya, Pamela! Yes…life on the road does seem to rather suite Sadie & I 🙂 I am so happy that she seems to be loving it…all the great walks & smells and new places to explore.
Take care and I hope things are going well with you,
ma
ahahahahaha…all is great, Park! Hope you guys are doing awesome 🙂
Big hugs,
love ma
Hi Rosemary…it’s great to hear from you! Yes…you are so right about the importance of trusting our gut. How are you doing?
Take care,
Maryanne
Hi Elaine! Yes…I try and get massages from female therapists as I feel more comfortable. After that incident, I will for sure keep to women massage therapists – unless the guy is recommended by someone I know & trust.
My friend, Pamela, has done some cranial-sacral work on me…it is quite something, isn’t it?!
Take care,
Maryanne
YES! Let’s add the rental topic to the many others we have to chat about when we next meet. I may be out your way in October or December.
I have really enjoyed the VRBO rentals I have chosen…each one has been unique but very much what the photos & descriptions said they were going to be. And best of all is that I have my own kitchen, so can cook my own meals. When I do stay in motels, I have to eat out most of the time. Although I have coffee & breakfast down pat…oatmeal, almonds & a banana!
Take care and I hope things are going well,
ma
I had a similar experience with a male physiotherapist getting a little too close for comfort. I agree; trust your gut. If it doesn’t feel right it’s not.
What a gorgeous place you visited! Looking forward to the photographs of Redwoods.
Oh boy…I am sorry to hear you had a similar experience with an uncomfortable massage, Tonia. It is a creepy feeling…just off.
The Redwoods were stunning…I kept stopping the car and racing off into the woods for mini-hikes 🙂
I hope things are going well with you!
Take care,
Maryanne