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What Did You Do Before Massage?




I know, I'm nosey. I was a travel writer.

 

For six years, I got to travel to Bed & Breakfasts and get massages, all for free, and write about it. So my roots are in traveling, meeting people and hearing their stories. Now I travel around and do The World Massage Festival & Massage Therapy Hall of Fame.

I found the adjustment to a single location massage establishment, inside a strip mall, very confining. So I started a way to stay "in the massage world and travel!" But that is another story!

What's your story? What did you do before massage? Tell us of your travels and what massage is like where you are, especially if you massage outside the U.S. We really like pictures, if possible.

 

If you get bored come see me at my page http://www.massageprofessionals.com/profile/MikeHinkle

Thanks and welcome to Massage Professionals!

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Permalink Reply by Sally Chamness on August 10, 2009 at 8:55am
I still currently work in the IT industry. Massage Therapy is my part time gig right now until I relocate back home to Scotland.
I do software support, and office management.
I "should" have been doing massage therapy a LONG LONG time ago, and am kinda kicking myself for taking so long to realize this was my calling.
Permalink Reply by Gary Lloyd on August 10, 2009 at 10:29am
I was a mechanical engineer - for longer than I should have been. My wife lead me to Reiki several years ago, which lead to attunements, and finally to massage school!

Gloria Coppola said:
I was a business administrator for a neurologist! ran the show. Surprising? lol
Permalink Reply by Mary Ellen Derwis-Balaz on August 10, 2009 at 5:26pm
MOM
Permalink Reply by Jenny Ray on August 10, 2009 at 6:01pm
At age eleven I got my first paying job working in the fields picking berries and hoeing weeds in the mint fields. I was using stones and learning massage from the family at ages 6-8...While raising my five children I made a living with my photography, oil paintings and clay sculptures....I began charging for massage and accepting fees for workshops in 2000 but I have been teaching the Stone Medicine form of Geothermal Therapy for over 30 years....I'm not as old as dirt but I am her sister...my youngest child is now over 30 (so he can't be trusted either!) and I would do it all again!!
It is so gratifying to be paid for doing what I love, but you know it was fun to offer this work on the reservation for barter too..I bet I'm the only one out there who ever got a gift of a bear hide for a massage!
So I'll bring my camera, let me know what ya need...I have hundreds of photos of stones, Indians and both doing massage if you want any of those!...
blessings all,
Jenny
Permalink Reply by Mike Hinkle on August 10, 2009 at 6:19pm
I would love to add the photos to he Hall of Fame, yes please bring them and yourcamera for a "magical time".

I hope you join the WMF Group and help answer the discussion questions. Have you seen the video? Your closng ceremony will "Live" for a long time.

And I got the Pioneer Program on line for you too. So far you have been licensed longer than any other Pioneer! You are forever welcome at Festival!

Jenny Ray said:
At age eleven I got my first paying job working in the fields picking berries and hoeing weeds in the mint fields. I was using stones and learning massage from the family at ages 6-8...While raising my five children I made a living with my photography, oil paintings and clay sculptures....I began charging for massage and accepting fees for workshops in 2000 but I have been teaching the Stone Medicine form of Geothermal Therapy for over 30 years....I'm not as old as dirt but I am her sister...my youngest child is now over 30 (so he can't be trusted either!) and I would do it all again!!
It is so gratifying to be paid for doing what I love, but you know it was fun to offer this work on the reservation for barter too..I bet I'm the only one out there who ever got a gift of a bear hide for a massage!
So I'll bring my camera, let me know what ya need...I have hundreds of photos of stones, Indians and both doing massage if you want any of those!...
blessings all,
Jenny
Permalink Reply by Leslie Z. Hollingsworth on August 10, 2009 at 8:36pm
I worked as an actress in a Haunted House, went to culinary school, cooked in a bunch of restaurants, taught marine biology & conservation at a local National Park, did a long stint in retail, then many many years in grahic arts, now massage and massage supply store owner.
Permalink Reply by Jenny Ray on August 10, 2009 at 8:41pm
yea that happens if ya live long enough you sooner or later get to be the one who has been at it the longest...but I have to tell you...all my Indian family is having the best laugh at me being called a 'Pioneer'...ya know most of us were called 'Wagon Burners'!!..YIKES...so I am happy to remind them that my Irish kin were indeed Pioneers so I may have come by the title honestly!! ...
I'll send you some photo's you can use anywhere you like..what e-address should I use?...and do you need me to make them smaller in photo shop?...what size is best for your system?....
Janelle is excited about our visit and we are trying to talk another woman into joining at 2010 WMF...her and her husband have been 'hooked' by the stones and are both in massage school to change careers in their 50's!! how perfect to bring them to your amazing event just before they graduate!....
Jenny

Mike Hinkle said:
I would love to add the photos to he Hall of Fame, yes please bring them and yourcamera for a "magical time".

I hope you join the WMF Group and help answer the discussion questions. Have you seen the video? Your closng ceremony will "Live" for a long time.

And I got the Pioneer Program on line for you too. So far you have been licensed longer than any other Pioneer! You are forever welcome at Festival!

Jenny Ray said:
At age eleven I got my first paying job working in the fields picking berries and hoeing weeds in the mint fields. I was using stones and learning massage from the family at ages 6-8...While raising my five children I made a living with my photography, oil paintings and clay sculptures....I began charging for massage and accepting fees for workshops in 2000 but I have been teaching the Stone Medicine form of Geothermal Therapy for over 30 years....I'm not as old as dirt but I am her sister...my youngest child is now over 30 (so he can't be trusted either!) and I would do it all again!!
It is so gratifying to be paid for doing what I love, but you know it was fun to offer this work on the reservation for barter too..I bet I'm the only one out there who ever got a gift of a bear hide for a massage!
So I'll bring my camera, let me know what ya need...I have hundreds of photos of stones, Indians and both doing massage if you want any of those!...
blessings all,
Jenny
Permalink Reply by Mike Hinkle on August 10, 2009 at 8:49pm
It will be an honor to have them join us Jenny. And you have earned every title and more. We will use the pictures and stories in a section called "Blast From The Past" in this year's Bridge Builder's Program, so everyone can enjoy them. Just send them as they are (the higher the rez the better) to mike@massagenews.org and I'll take care of it.

Thank you so much for honoring us!

Jenny Ray said:
yea that happens if ya live long enough you sooner or later get to be the one who has been at it the longest...but I have to tell you...all my Indian family is having the best laugh at me being called a 'Pioneer'...ya know most of us were called 'Wagon Burners'!!..YIKES...so I am happy to remind them that my Irish kin were indeed Pioneers so I may have come by the title honestly!! ...
I'll send you some photo's you can use anywhere you like..what e-address should I use?...and do you need me to make them smaller in photo shop?...what size is best for your system?....
Janelle is excited about our visit and we are trying to talk another woman into joining at 2010 WMF...her and her husband have been 'hooked' by the stones and are both in massage school to change careers in their 50's!! how perfect to bring them to your amazing event just before they graduate!....
Jenny

Mike Hinkle said:
I would love to add the photos to he Hall of Fame, yes please bring them and yourcamera for a "magical time".

I hope you join the WMF Group and help answer the discussion questions. Have you seen the video? Your closng ceremony will "Live" for a long time.

And I got the Pioneer Program on line for you too. So far you have been licensed longer than any other Pioneer! You are forever welcome at Festival!

Jenny Ray said:
At age eleven I got my first paying job working in the fields picking berries and hoeing weeds in the mint fields. I was using stones and learning massage from the family at ages 6-8...While raising my five children I made a living with my photography, oil paintings and clay sculptures....I began charging for massage and accepting fees for workshops in 2000 but I have been teaching the Stone Medicine form of Geothermal Therapy for over 30 years....I'm not as old as dirt but I am her sister...my youngest child is now over 30 (so he can't be trusted either!) and I would do it all again!!
It is so gratifying to be paid for doing what I love, but you know it was fun to offer this work on the reservation for barter too..I bet I'm the only one out there who ever got a gift of a bear hide for a massage!
So I'll bring my camera, let me know what ya need...I have hundreds of photos of stones, Indians and both doing massage if you want any of those!...
blessings all,
Jenny
Permalink Reply by Mike Hinkle on August 11, 2009 at 1:01am
Now that's is quite a background. Glad you are here.

Do you have samples of your graphic artwork online?

I know someone looking for talented folks.

Leslie Z. Hollingsworth said:
I worked as an actress in a Haunted House, went to culinary school, cooked in a bunch of restaurants, taught marine biology & conservation at a local National Park, did a long stint in retail, then many many years in grahic arts, now massage and massage supply store owner.
Permalink Reply by Kim Chamberlain,NCTMB (idowatsu) on August 11, 2009 at 10:19am
They were in the middle of a remodel when the stock market took a dive and are working for rebuilding their state credentialing, they might be adding Watsu to the program. The woman who bought it does Watsu. It will be back.
Thanks for the vote of confidence I feel that way about it too, especially after some of my continuing ed experiences.

Mike Hinkle said:
Amen. How was "Heartwood". I was going to make it Institution of the Year in 08. But I heard it closed?

Kim Chamberlain,NCTMB (idowatsu) said:
Can relate to the traveling, I was a carney for 12 years, then my disease got the better of me, took a few years off to battle that. In rehab I knew someone going to Heartwood, I spent a year there going to massage school, it was time to grow up and get an almost real job. Still have never filled out a w2 but I'm much better off being self employed.
Permalink Reply by Kathy Starr on August 11, 2009 at 10:26am
I originaly went to school for equine/farrier science as well as Horse Farm management. I worked as a Farrier (horse shoer/trimmer) a Horse trainer, a show groom a Riding instructor and a Stable manager. I also got my CNA in 91 which I did off and on for 18 years. I graduated from Massage school in 06 and have had a private practice, which I love, since, I also have a part time job as a CNA to get excellent health insurance.and teach an occasional riding lesson for fun
Permalink Reply by Mike Hinkle on August 11, 2009 at 10:36am
When they need to get the word out about their availability, let me know, I will put it on all my websites. I believe in their cause. They should send flyers to the Festival. I will make sure they get in the attendee bags for FREE! Let them know!

Kim Chamberlain,NCTMB (idowatsu) said:
They were in the middle of a remodel when the stock market took a dive and are working for rebuilding their state credentialing, they might be adding Watsu to the program. The woman who bought it does Watsu. It will be back.
Thanks for the vote of confidence I feel that way about it too, especially after some of my continuing ed experiences.

Mike Hinkle said:
Amen. How was "Heartwood". I was going to make it Institution of the Year in 08. But I heard it closed?

Kim Chamberlain,NCTMB (idowatsu) said:
Can relate to the traveling, I was a carney for 12 years, then my disease got the better of me, took a few years off to battle that. In rehab I knew someone going to Heartwood, I spent a year there going to massage school, it was time to grow up and get an almost real job. Still have never filled out a w2 but I'm much better off being self employed.

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