When we open again, I will look forward to the pleasure of giving tours of the picturesque, historic house that is home to the Wellness House of Annapolis.  Janet Richardson-Pearson and Bill Pearson have graciously donated the use of this lovely structure since 2009, located on a portion of their horse farm property on Mas Que Farm Road.

This two-story white frame farm house has a front door but the actual entrance is from the parking area through an attractive garden or by ramp to a covered porch with pink cushioned wicker rocking chairs and inviting decor. Once inside, noticeable warmth emerges from the welcoming staff and members, original deep hardwood floors, comfortable seating, country kitchen, as well as a delightful screened-in porch for relaxing and savoring the views, like this:

On the second floor there are several rooms. One serves as an office for staff, and two others provide private space for practitioners who volunteer their skills with Reiki, healing touch, reflexology, and general massage. The largest room is used for support group meetings and all types of activities including yoga, art, music, jewelry making classes, and game time. This rectangular space is brightened by large windows bringing in the sun and showing magnificent vistas of the property. 

A remarkable feature on two of the walls is a hand-painted mural by local artist, Sharon Hayes. Her mural brings the outdoors inside. It’s the actual view from the window recreated in rich colors. It reflects rolling green pastures with horses grazing and bright white rail fences snaking around the site and along the gravel road. Butterflies, turtles, and birds come alive. There is a cherry blossom tree that Sharon kept perfecting, even when others thought she had finished. As a talented medical illustrator, she certainly paid attention to detail. She had lost her father to cancer and I was told that working on this mural project was therapeutic for her. Sharon spent many hours creating this work of art, while feeling the heartbeat of Wellness House.

Speaking of art, Paul (my husband) and I have enjoyed our first two sessions of Zentangle® Meditative Art on Zoom with Dawn Schulman. If you haven’t heard of this type of meditative art, be assured that you don’t have to be an artist to feel the joy of creating dazzling designs. With only a pen,  pencil, and a square of paper, it’s an amazing outlet for when you’re stressed – or just to take time to quiet your thoughts and regain your inner peace after a long day. Try it with our Wellness House community some time, the next online class will be held in a few weeks (see the Wellness House calendar here). And if you’re interested in getting started before then, see below a recorded guided Zentangle practice for whenever suits you best.

I’ve been volunteering at the Wellness House of Annapolis for over four years. Living nearby, I was aware of this wonderful community resource and drove by the picturesque entrance daily. There’s something remarkable about the rural horse farm setting. Maybe it’s the long curving gravel driveway on the other side of an alluring gate leading to a white clapboard farmhouse at a slightly higher elevation in the distance.

Initially, the advertisement of a Yoga-Thon fundraiser event caught my eye for two reasons: yoga is one of my favorite things to do and more importantly, my 10-year younger sister had been diagnosed with lung cancer. She was a life-long nonsmoker and a runner. So, I signed up to attend the event with her in mind. It was there that I met Kay Hunter, the member services manager. I asked about volunteer opportunities at the House.

“Why don’t you stop by on Friday.” she said.

And after that, it was history.

What does a house hostess do? Think of it as what needs to be done around any home. Throw in some laundry, empty the dishwasher, or fluff up the pillows in the living room. It’s the same at Wellness House. Additionally, we set up for classes, put out snacks, answer the phone, and whatever else is needed.

What I enjoy most is greeting members as they sign in for activities like a yoga, jewelry-making or art class, counseling session, or special time with our dedicated volunteers who share their expertise in Reiki, Healing Touch and general massage.

Welcoming new members and their caregivers to the House for the first time is especially gratifying. I’m given the opportunity to make them feel at home and to describe the many support services available to them at no charge. Providing a tour of the House is my favorite thing to do, but I will save those details for my next blog.

Though the House is currently physically closed for visits, new members are still encouraged and welcomed to join in the online programs and groups. If you or someone you know could benefit from this warm community, click here to apply and our Member Services Manager, Kay, will be in touch with you directly.

One Monday during my afternoon as a House Hostess, I slipped into the kitchen to plug in the electric kettle. Even though I didn’t normally drink hot tea, the idea was appealing on that chilly day. When I looked over the boxes of tea selections, there were plenty of flavors that sounded inviting. Peach, strawberry, or apple spice. Cinnamon, green, black, or herbal. The choice was getting difficult. Then my eyes came to rest on a very captivating option – vanilla caramel. That was it! I tore open the foil pouch which contained an individual tea bag and dunked it up and down into the steaming hot water in my cup. The rich aroma smelled delicious and tasted smooth and yummy. It was delightful to inhale the fragrance as I sipped. 

When Covid-19 changed our lives and staying safe at home began in mid-March, my husband Paul and I set out to create ways to organize our time under quarantine. One afternoon he mentioned having a cup of tea, which triggered memories of my vanilla caramel discovery at Wellness House of Annapolis. We didn’t have that flavor on hand, so Country Peach Passion had to do. I ordered a couple of boxes on Amazon and two days later, we were well stocked with vanilla caramel.

That was the start of our tradition of tea time each afternoon, reminding us of the Wellness House. Of course, this new custom includes a little something on the side, like banana bread, cookies, or Paul’s favorite – fig newtons.

We have enjoyed adopting a Wellness House practice and making it our own. If you haven’t already done so, consider meeting up with old and new friends at the virtual Tea Time. It’s happening on Zoom on Thursdays at 2 pm and you’ll feel like you’re sitting and chatting around the living room.