Sweet Willow Massage & Wellness

08/06/2026

Jane App Clinic Software has always been helpful whenever I have needed to call them. Finding the right software to make your clinic run smoothly is not an easy task, but I've seen first hand how amazing not only the software is for myself and clients, but the customer service feels more than that.

When I first started researching my options of what to do for Sweet Willow and my health rollercoaster, I called and asked so many questions. Cara, whom was helping me on that day was incredibly compassionate and went over things with me step by step, no rushing and she had such beautiful empathy in providing support when I wasn't yet 💯 on what steps I was going to take. She said, I wanna send you something (they're based in Canada), and I was not at all expecting the sweet note that came with it.

I chose Jane App for efficiency, but I got so much more from them. Just wanted to publicly say thank you.

08/01/2026

I had no idea that the refresh I did over New Year's weekend would have been the last time I would this year. My big shelf had come down, things felt a little cluttered, I had new artwork I wanted to have on display and it all got extra sparkling touches. Just a couple days later, that Tuesday would be the last full day of seeing clients before my fall. I had hoped the timeline would have been quick. Then one thing kept leading to another, the return date was more and more out of reach.

By the time many of you see this post, my office will be cleaned out, nail holes spackled, trailer and truck loaded and the sensitive Selenite received on day one will be placed over the door's threshold to welcome the new into the space.

It feels like a long goodbye, I'm hoping there's a return in sight. For now, we hit pause. Please, do not be a stranger. This work is so much of what I identify as, I do not dare to lose that. I refuse. So, there! Go hydrate.

07/30/2026

This is why having resources like Endo Black Incorporated are so important. It's my first go to for any of my Black clients living with endometriosis. A great organization to get involved with for community outreach and education, and to share info from.

07/28/2026

This started out in my stories, but I think deserved a permanent spot on the grid. People used to ask do you think being a massage therapist who specialized in fertility and pregnancy loss prepared me for being an Infertility and loss patient.... Sure! I had insider knowledge on so much, more than I wish I knew sometimes and then do glad because it helped me to really advocate for myself and to push boundaries for things that weren't acceptable.

And now... I think having navigated the patient side of infertility and loss prepared me for the chaos that has ensued since then. I've dealt with chronic pain issues since I was 11 from my first knee surgery (wink, I was a figure skater), and I think that prepared me for years to come of self advocacy, expectations of frustrating appointments and inconclusive results. All of that to say, I know what life was like for me to push through the pain, the unknown, judgement... Sometimes, it made me worse. So, I'm learning to listen to my life lessons. Many of you as clients have taught about that. I don't feel strong for making my current status happen, I hate it so much. But I also am holding onto the relief part of grief because I need me. I need to feel human, again, in whatever way that is, adaptation is so much of infertility and loss; not acceptance.

I need me so that I can help those that need me.

07/27/2026

Thank you. I see your comments, your DM, text messages, emails... Honestly, I wasn't sure what the reactions would be. I don't need nor desire the sweet words, I get embarrassed, but a kick-ass friend once told me to say "thank you", so here I am... Thank you!

07/24/2026

Sweet Willow Massage & Wellness is temporarily closing. 💛

After 22 years, this is one of the hardest things I've ever had to share.

A fall in January impacted health issues I was already managing — and despite everything my care team and I have tried, I haven't recovered the way we hoped.

So I'm doing something I always tell my clients to do: putting my own care first. Maybe for the first time ever.

Need a referral? I'm happy to point you toward trusted massage therapists, mental health support, pelvic floor PT, chiropractic, or acupuncture.

Have a gift card? Refunds available through August 31, 2026 — reach out to me directly.

I'm hopeful this is a "see you later," not goodbye. Renewing my license is on the horizon.

Thank you for 22 years of trust. It's been the honor of my life.

p.s. I'll be figuring out how to use this space, so don't unfollow just yet.

07/22/2026

Big updates are coming this week. Be on the lookout here and in your inboxes for those who get the emails.

Hoping for a Wednesday/Thursday "press send/publish".

ID: Jessie's massage office with candies lit (electric). Text: Announcements coming soon, check here and in your inboxes.

07/15/2026

Many of my clients began with me during my time at Satori Wellness Center . I'm forever grateful for the opportunity to flourish in a more authentic way as a practitioner, learned so much from the team, and have been a trusted resource for many of my clients over the years. Wishing Susan and the Satori crew best wishes on the next chapter.

After many beautiful years, the time has come to close the doors of our acupuncture center, Satori. While this chapter is coming to an end, my heart is overflowing with gratitude for everyone who has been part of this incredible journey.

To our clients, thank you for trusting us with your health, your stories, your joys, your struggles, and your healing. Every person who walked through our doors was more than a patient—you were a gift. It has been an honor to witness your resilience, celebrate your progress, and walk beside you on your healing path. You have taught us as much as we could ever hope to teach. Each connection has left an imprint on our hearts, and for that we are deeply grateful.

To our amazing staff, thank you for sharing your gifts, your compassion, and your dedication. The care you gave each day created a space where healing could truly flourish. I couldn't have asked for a more incredible team.

To our family and friends, thank you for your unwavering love, encouragement, and support throughout the years. You believed in this dream from the beginning and stood beside us every step of the way.

Although Satori is closing, the healing continues. Each of our acupuncturists will continue practicing privately, and we encourage you to reach out to your individual practitioner to continue your care. The relationships built here don't have to end—they are simply taking a new path.

In Chinese medicine, we honor the natural cycles of life. Every ending creates space for a new beginning, and every season carries its own wisdom. While saying goodbye is bittersweet, I welcome this new chapter with an open heart and deep appreciation for all that has been.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives. Thank you for your trust, your kindness, your laughter, and your love. Our community has been the greatest blessing, and the memories we have shared will remain with us always.

With endless gratitude and heartfelt love,

Susan McIntosh

06/26/2026

A new fabulous program at Genesee Valley Outdoor Learning Center

**NEW Series** - Little Roots: Kids in Carriers!

Want to get out in nature with your little one with other fun caregivers?

Join us June 26 for a 2-4 mile hike with our littles in carriers! We will share a song and stories as we venture through the Valley!

Sign up can be found online - geneseevalley.org

$12 fee - carriers not included, strollers not encouraged. Please reach out with an questions!

04/22/2026

Navigating infertility is an incredibly isolating experience. No one gets it like you do, they can try to understand, but unless they've been on this ride, no one can begin to comprehend. What began as a path of silence, and loneliness, evolved into community, trust, purpose.

From the Pineapple Connections to my fellow birthworkers, to friends that are family, to unknown supporters to my friends that became family over the years, to my DM besties that became IRL besties, to family and of course my my life partner. I mean, you should get you a buddy dressed as a hotdog willing to draw up meds for a transfer (Thanks ).

This isn't a post about how lucky I am, but that if you feel isolated and alone, there is a community that is open and willing to make sure you don't walk alone. Whether it's the Pineapples, a RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association support group or another one (I know plenty to refer to), you've got company for the mystery ahead.