One of the most important lessons I'm continuing to learn is that we can't control what happens around us. We can just control our reaction to these circumstances. As we face one of the most challenging economic climates of our lifetime, doom and gloom is being talked about everywhere. And, uncertainty is rampant.

At TallGrass, we are choosing to focus on the good that will come out of this trying time. All of us will learn valuable lessons about what's important in life. Hopefully, this will change feelings of entitlement and we'll stop taking things for granted. We will appreciate all that we have and not focus on money or material possessions.

So, with that in mind, we would like to thank you for your continued friendship and support of TallGrass by giving you something good to enjoy in 2009 -- unprecedented bonuses for January and February. Please be sure to check out these special savings offered only to our e-newsletter subscribers.

Best wishes to you and your family for a loving, healthy and significant 2009!

P.S. If you think your sweetheart could use a few hints about Valentine's Day giving, click on TallGrass Events for a page you can print out, check off suggestions, and give to him.

When you are at TallGrass, there's no telling where you'll find Jessica Dyer. She might be working as Manager on Duty, greeting guests at the front desk, handling charitable donations or helping in the boutique. "Jessica is just a joy to work with," says Spa Director Susie Siebert. "She's always positive, friendly and very, very patient."

On the days when she is Manager on Duty, Jessica helps guests with any needs they may have. She says: "It's the little things, like getting robes, serving beverages and refreshments, and making sure guests are as comfortable as possible that I enjoy most."

And, when she's not at the spa, Jessica might be found hiking. The Flying J Trail in the Evergreen area is one of her favorites.

TallGrass Gives Back is a fundraising program designed to benefit the non-profit organizations that are favored by you, our guests. It's easy to participate. Just select a date, register your 501c3 non-profit organization, recruit your organization's supporters to visit TallGrass on that date, and raise funds through TallGrass's donation of a percentage of the proceeds of sales.

When your date is confirmed, TallGrass will provide a voucher that can be distributed to the supporters of your organization. It's up to you to promote the program to as many people as you can because, when they present their vouchers on the designated date, 10% of the proceeds from their spa services along with their retail and gift certificate purchases will be donated to your organization.

There is no limit to the amount your organization can raise and no limit to the number of times your organization can participate in a calendar year.

To register, visit the TallGrass Gives Back page at TallGrassSpa.com and click on the link at the bottom of the home page.