End of an Era

In closing, I have some news which may come as a shock to many of you. For more than 35 years, the West Health Connection on Melrose Avenue has been contributing the feeling of well being and health to others. Our acute care clinic was across the street from the Bodhi Tree Bookstore, the same bookstore that Shirley MacLaine happened into and that inspired her book, Out on a Limb. I came on the job there 12 years ago and it’s been my vast privilege to be a part of the fun! Over a year ago, it was time for me to depart L.A. and move to my new home base. Then this past month, the West Health Connection permanently closed its doors at the Melrose location. The Doctors, Acupuncturists, Massage Therapists, have dispersed. Even the wonderful aromatherapy store, Aunt Vi’s Garden, is gone from 8576 Melrose Avenue. One or two people have called me, saying a void is there now, or that it’s like Katrina. Think of the privilege you had to have been there in that time. You are the Heroes and Heroines! You made it work! When we arrive in L.A. in November, 06, there may be a Mixer held at Elixir and then a SHORT pilgrimage made with flowers--one block over--to give an herbal tea toast! The books are now completed, with the generous permission of all who contributed their stories, some of the names are real and some have been changed. Each of the books made special mention of the West Health Connection—of course the promise of a book was one way to keep my overhead low! But now, it’s time to leave the nest and grow up, best we can! Together, we’ll discover what shape this blog will take from here, and if it can possibly, possibly make a very small contribution. NEXT NEWSLETTER: "What Are Good Manners?"