Several of my dear friends have recently become grandmothers. Other than the possible negative connotation regarding age, I think that title sounds like just about the very best one! Grandmothers are usually wiser, calmer, more appreciative especially when it comes to family, and are able to babysit with the convenience of returning that wonderful grandchild when they are exhausted (either the grandchild or the grandmother). I have to admit that I'm a bit jealous of their pictures and stories.

My grandmother, Edna Bond, was a source of much joy and fun when I was growing up. So, I suggest that we honor not only our mothers, but our stepmothers, grandmothers, surrogate mothers, and any other "mothers" in our lives. We are much blessed to share the world with them.

And although I have no children and am not officially a mother, I believe that I'm a mother to our dogs, cats and horses. And, I'm heartbroken to report that we lost our five-year-old white Labrador, Ginger, to cancer a couple of weeks ago. Many of you have seen her greeting you at the TallGrass door along with her co-spa dog, Lilly. Here's hoping she's chasing a tennis ball and then jumping into the nearest pond!

At TallGrass, Mom is special every day. But, during the month of May, TallGrass honors Mom in these extra special ways. We invite you to purchase a gift card or make an appointment for Mom for these special services which are available only during May.

Rose Petal Pedicure (65 minutes / $65 / $75)
Our Spa Pedicure becomes extra special with the inviting aroma of rose, vanilla and lavender in Aveda's Calming Body Cleanser combined with soft rose petals in a luxurious foot bath. A soothing leg and foot massage using Aveda's Calming Composition helps ease the body and unwind the mind. And, an eye mask and headphones with a choice of music bring added pleasure and relaxation.

Perfect Rose Hydrating Facial (50 minutes / $95 / $105)
A springtime facial treatment to clean and exfoliate winter's dull, dry skin begins with a calming aromatherapy experience. Rose essential oil applied during a facial massage is powerfully hydrating and calming. More rose essential oil is added to a cooling, hydrating masque that includes antioxidants, too. Skin becomes hydrated, smooth and ready for the season with a facial that is good for all skin types, especially dry, aging and sensitive skin.

Wildflower Salt Scrub (50 minutes / $90 / $100)
For an all-over body exfoliation treatment that removes dry, dull skin cells and leaves skin silky smooth, we suggest a salt scrub with Aveda's Soothing Aqua Therapy salts derived from the mineral-rich Dead Sea. Prized for centuries for their restorative effects, salts are blended with rose, ylang ylang, and chamomile essential oils to give a relaxing, aromatic experience that leaves skin smooth and smelling like wildflowers.

Note: The first price listed is for services received on weekdays, Monday through Thursday. The second price is for weekend services, Friday through Sunday.

"Jessi Hansen shows what it takes to be successful at TallGrass," said owner Gail Ridings as she announced the winner of the Spa Babe award at the April all-staff meeting. "She's extraordinary, amazing, consistent, caring and very involved in everything we do, over and over again." What makes her doubly remarkable is that only a few minutes before the Spa Babe announcement, Gail recognized Jessi for her 10 year anniversary at TallGrass. Standing ovation. Everyone cheering.

Jessi is a much-loved member of the TallGrass team. As she celebrates her 10th anniversary and the Spa Babe award, she looks back over her years as a TallGrass massage therapist and remarks about the changes she's seen. "It's never same old, same old around here," she says. "We're always doing things in new ways and that's refreshing for guests and for me, too."

Working at TallGrass is Jessi's first and only spa job and there are times when she wonders what it might have been like working someplace else. "It does make me reflect on how lucky I am to be here at TallGrass," she says.

Jessi is pictured here with Gail Ridings.