One on One ~ Mary Twombly
Winter 2009
Karen Harding talks to Mary Twombly, who has an Acutonic sound healing therapy practice in downtown Hood River and manages her husband Steve Andruss’ OpalColors jewelry business.
Both are part of the GLCC.
Karen Harding: What is Acutonics sound healing?
Mary Twombly: The Acutonics healing system is a cutting edge therapy using tuning forks specifically designed for use on and over the body, in the body’s energy field. These healing tools provide painless and deep access to the body’s healing systems.
Application of tuning forks to the acupuncture and acupressure points that access the body’s meridian (energy pathways) and chakra energy systems assists healing in bone, muscle, circulatory and auditory systems. Acutonics works with specific frequencies and musical intervals that have their own unique healing properties. Rich resonance and vibration connects with and supports the body’s natural frequencies, and has a highly transformational impact on the physical, emotional, and spiritual body. KH: You have integrated this into the healing work you were already doing. What is a session of sound healing with you like?
MT: I first listen to the energy pulses at the wrists. This gives me information about what the body is asking for … where it needs harmony the most. I start with some gentle acupressure and talk to the client more about what their needs and intentions for the session are.
Depending on what they want, how much time we have, and what I recommend, we might have some singing bowls next and then do some Thai Massage which also works with the energy systems in the body as well as in a deep physical way.
Sometimes I skip the massage and really focus in on the sound work. I use the tuning forks to harmonize and energize the system. I might also use the forks during the massage on painful areas to decrease swelling and disburse energy. I may use the high frequency forks over the body to build the energy field. I have several crystal singing bowls. These always bring a smile to the face and the body. I incorporate these with flower essences, essential oils, a gong, bell, tingshas, etc. I think you get the picture.
Most people feel immediate relief from mental, physical and emotional stress. I tell people that it is not an instant fix, and that doing some sessions over time will help with the chronic issues. I also use the sound tools to help women and their unborn during pregnancy, to help induce labor if necessary, during the birth and post partum. I have also assisted the dying. No two sessions look the same! One client stated excitedly - “I never know what’s coming next!”
Sound tools have had a profound effect on the way I live my life, the way I practice. I like to give the client some self-help acupressure to do at home if he would like to help himself in between sessions.
KH: Tell us about Opalcolors. Where do we go to see Steve’s work?
MT: Opalcolors started 15 years ago. We had just gotten together, and we started investing in an Oregon Opal mine about 150 miles east of here at Opal Butte, south of Arlington about 80 miles. He was introduced to the mine as a child.
We got an opportunity to become part of a serious mining operation there. We both invested and did well, with a lot of hard work--mining is very labor intensive. Steve and I were involved in that for almost 10 years. We both had other money-making work so this was a hobby that we did together. We learned how to cut the stone with lapidary tools. I was actually the first to sell any professionally. Since we aren’t jewelers and we had A LOT of stone at our disposal, we made it wearable by drilling a hole in the stone and placing it on a leather necklace or a gold cable. Years ago this was considered very unconventional- but now stone pendants are quite common. I guess you could say that we led the way in this trend!
As I lost interest in the cutting, Steve’s artistic abilities flourished. Now he has become a fairly well known stone carver. I do the marketing, computer communications, graphic design, photography, etc. There are times when we do have pieces fashioned with metal and we have used local artisans Kevin Craig and Sarah Morton-Erasmus. They have been very helpful and generous with their skills. We are no longer mining Oregon Opal although we do have quite a large collection.
Steve is now involved in an Oregon Sunstone mining operation in Southern Oregon. Oregon Sunstone is Oregon’s state gemstone. It is an amazing, uniquely beautiful and rare stone. We have some of it faceted for ring settings and he also makes drop earrings, pendants and carvings. Steve has an amazing eye for detail and is really a perfectionist.
Steve is available for commissions. His work can be viewed online at opalcolorsoregon.com and myspace.com/opalcolorsoregon. There is an 80-piece slide show on the myspace site. If you want to see our current available pieces please call (509) 538-2772 or (541) 806-9170 to set up an appointment. We prefer to give you one on one attention. I can meet you in town at my office for a showing or you can come to Steve’s studio.
RH: You and Steve are both able to pursue your interests through these two creative businesses, live in the Gorge, and travel when you want- an enviable lifestyle. Any advice for those of us who would like to be starting a new more enriching business?
MT: Well, that does sound nice, doesn’t it? I asked Steve that question, he laughed and said, “It only takes about 20 years to be an overnight success.” We both worked in other careers-- Steve had a commercial gourmet foods/wild mushroom business. I worked as a nurse for nearly 30 years. We both raised families apart, then together. We have had the goal to simplify our lives and follow our hearts (tHE ARTS) for the last chapter of our lives. We don’t ever expect to retire, but we certainly wanted to be doing something meaningful and creative.
I would say “use your imagination and have faith in yourself. Keep your eye on your goal and believe in it.”
RH: Living in the Columbia Gorge, we encounter people pursuing a variety of healing practices. However, with this wealth of possibilities available, these services are not considered an option by most people who use their money just for basics like food and transportation and shelter. We are used to money being scarce. Ideally RiverHOURS is one way to experience the “fruits” of our community when we understand that the more we spend together, with each other, the wealthier we, as a community, become. Wealth is not the same thing as a savings account. Do you have any thoughts about how to broaden this idea for our readers and members? It is challenging, to transform our notion of money, especially in these uncertain times. Or could these unsettled times perhaps make this change of consciousness easier?
MT: Yes, this is certainly an issue right now. I have long been challenged with the issue of feeling abundant. Now I begin to accept and embrace the abundance I already have. When I am resonating with abundance, I am attracting it, so I guess the law of attraction comes into play here. When I am feeling lack and limits, that is what I attract.
I think people must get creative! RiverHOURS is a very creative way to deal with money. Abundance is “we,” not just “me.” I love receiving RH so that I can go spend them in some of my favorite places: Mother's, Small Planet Trading and Ruddy Duck. When I turn around and spend this currency with people I know, something more is exchanged than just goods, service and money.
RH: A big theme these days is Buy Local. As we enter the season of gift giving, what would you recommend for local gifts?
MT: Well, of course I would love to recommend our businesses. We have gift certificates available. Of course we do accept RiverHOURS. Be aware of when local artists are showing their wares and support them. There are local craft shows as well. I would encourage people to buy locally to help promote our local economy. Use your creative spirit and imagination. I like recycling things that I already have, and don’t use, for gifts. Another great gift is to cook for someone. Make your favorite dish for someone you care about and serve it up with love. This gets us back to the folks who can only use their money for food, etc. Eat something yummy with someone you love as a gift.
Feel the abundance.
Web Site: opalcolorsoregon.com
Winter 2009
Karen Harding talks to Mary Twombly, who has an Acutonic sound healing therapy practice in downtown Hood River and manages her husband Steve Andruss’ OpalColors jewelry business.
Both are part of the GLCC.
Karen Harding: What is Acutonics sound healing?
Mary Twombly: The Acutonics healing system is a cutting edge therapy using tuning forks specifically designed for use on and over the body, in the body’s energy field. These healing tools provide painless and deep access to the body’s healing systems.
Application of tuning forks to the acupuncture and acupressure points that access the body’s meridian (energy pathways) and chakra energy systems assists healing in bone, muscle, circulatory and auditory systems. Acutonics works with specific frequencies and musical intervals that have their own unique healing properties. Rich resonance and vibration connects with and supports the body’s natural frequencies, and has a highly transformational impact on the physical, emotional, and spiritual body. KH: You have integrated this into the healing work you were already doing. What is a session of sound healing with you like?
MT: I first listen to the energy pulses at the wrists. This gives me information about what the body is asking for … where it needs harmony the most. I start with some gentle acupressure and talk to the client more about what their needs and intentions for the session are.
Depending on what they want, how much time we have, and what I recommend, we might have some singing bowls next and then do some Thai Massage which also works with the energy systems in the body as well as in a deep physical way.
Sometimes I skip the massage and really focus in on the sound work. I use the tuning forks to harmonize and energize the system. I might also use the forks during the massage on painful areas to decrease swelling and disburse energy. I may use the high frequency forks over the body to build the energy field. I have several crystal singing bowls. These always bring a smile to the face and the body. I incorporate these with flower essences, essential oils, a gong, bell, tingshas, etc. I think you get the picture.
Most people feel immediate relief from mental, physical and emotional stress. I tell people that it is not an instant fix, and that doing some sessions over time will help with the chronic issues. I also use the sound tools to help women and their unborn during pregnancy, to help induce labor if necessary, during the birth and post partum. I have also assisted the dying. No two sessions look the same! One client stated excitedly - “I never know what’s coming next!”
Sound tools have had a profound effect on the way I live my life, the way I practice. I like to give the client some self-help acupressure to do at home if he would like to help himself in between sessions.
KH: Tell us about Opalcolors. Where do we go to see Steve’s work?
MT: Opalcolors started 15 years ago. We had just gotten together, and we started investing in an Oregon Opal mine about 150 miles east of here at Opal Butte, south of Arlington about 80 miles. He was introduced to the mine as a child.
We got an opportunity to become part of a serious mining operation there. We both invested and did well, with a lot of hard work--mining is very labor intensive. Steve and I were involved in that for almost 10 years. We both had other money-making work so this was a hobby that we did together. We learned how to cut the stone with lapidary tools. I was actually the first to sell any professionally. Since we aren’t jewelers and we had A LOT of stone at our disposal, we made it wearable by drilling a hole in the stone and placing it on a leather necklace or a gold cable. Years ago this was considered very unconventional- but now stone pendants are quite common. I guess you could say that we led the way in this trend!
As I lost interest in the cutting, Steve’s artistic abilities flourished. Now he has become a fairly well known stone carver. I do the marketing, computer communications, graphic design, photography, etc. There are times when we do have pieces fashioned with metal and we have used local artisans Kevin Craig and Sarah Morton-Erasmus. They have been very helpful and generous with their skills. We are no longer mining Oregon Opal although we do have quite a large collection.
Steve is now involved in an Oregon Sunstone mining operation in Southern Oregon. Oregon Sunstone is Oregon’s state gemstone. It is an amazing, uniquely beautiful and rare stone. We have some of it faceted for ring settings and he also makes drop earrings, pendants and carvings. Steve has an amazing eye for detail and is really a perfectionist.
Steve is available for commissions. His work can be viewed online at opalcolorsoregon.com and myspace.com/opalcolorsoregon. There is an 80-piece slide show on the myspace site. If you want to see our current available pieces please call (509) 538-2772 or (541) 806-9170 to set up an appointment. We prefer to give you one on one attention. I can meet you in town at my office for a showing or you can come to Steve’s studio.
RH: You and Steve are both able to pursue your interests through these two creative businesses, live in the Gorge, and travel when you want- an enviable lifestyle. Any advice for those of us who would like to be starting a new more enriching business?
MT: Well, that does sound nice, doesn’t it? I asked Steve that question, he laughed and said, “It only takes about 20 years to be an overnight success.” We both worked in other careers-- Steve had a commercial gourmet foods/wild mushroom business. I worked as a nurse for nearly 30 years. We both raised families apart, then together. We have had the goal to simplify our lives and follow our hearts (tHE ARTS) for the last chapter of our lives. We don’t ever expect to retire, but we certainly wanted to be doing something meaningful and creative.
I would say “use your imagination and have faith in yourself. Keep your eye on your goal and believe in it.”
RH: Living in the Columbia Gorge, we encounter people pursuing a variety of healing practices. However, with this wealth of possibilities available, these services are not considered an option by most people who use their money just for basics like food and transportation and shelter. We are used to money being scarce. Ideally RiverHOURS is one way to experience the “fruits” of our community when we understand that the more we spend together, with each other, the wealthier we, as a community, become. Wealth is not the same thing as a savings account. Do you have any thoughts about how to broaden this idea for our readers and members? It is challenging, to transform our notion of money, especially in these uncertain times. Or could these unsettled times perhaps make this change of consciousness easier?
MT: Yes, this is certainly an issue right now. I have long been challenged with the issue of feeling abundant. Now I begin to accept and embrace the abundance I already have. When I am resonating with abundance, I am attracting it, so I guess the law of attraction comes into play here. When I am feeling lack and limits, that is what I attract.
I think people must get creative! RiverHOURS is a very creative way to deal with money. Abundance is “we,” not just “me.” I love receiving RH so that I can go spend them in some of my favorite places: Mother's, Small Planet Trading and Ruddy Duck. When I turn around and spend this currency with people I know, something more is exchanged than just goods, service and money.
RH: A big theme these days is Buy Local. As we enter the season of gift giving, what would you recommend for local gifts?
MT: Well, of course I would love to recommend our businesses. We have gift certificates available. Of course we do accept RiverHOURS. Be aware of when local artists are showing their wares and support them. There are local craft shows as well. I would encourage people to buy locally to help promote our local economy. Use your creative spirit and imagination. I like recycling things that I already have, and don’t use, for gifts. Another great gift is to cook for someone. Make your favorite dish for someone you care about and serve it up with love. This gets us back to the folks who can only use their money for food, etc. Eat something yummy with someone you love as a gift.
Feel the abundance.
Web Site: opalcolorsoregon.com