Mortar & Pestle Tea

"A bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives roses."

And the fragrance of tea in a rose covered teacup is good in the hand. Tea today is Lavender Grey black tea from B. Fuller's Mortar & Pestle, a place that they call an artisanal modern apothecary. It was a gift from a friend who knows I love anything lavender! They describe this tea as having the orange essence of Earl Grey which is augmented by the floral sweetness of Pacific Northwest lavender flowers. 

And the teacup? It is a Royal Stafford English teacup called Gloria. Paisley style curls and flowers in bright yellow and pink are accented with lots of gold!  The chill outside seems to draw me to vibrant colors for my cup!

The Gladdest Thing

I will be the gladdest thing 
Under the sun!
I will touch a hundred flowers
And not pick one.

Edna St. Vincent Millay
~ Afternoon on a Hill ~

Legend of the First Robin

The Legend of the First Robin

One day, long ago, a little bird in Galilee saw a large crowd gathered around a Man carrying a heavy wooden cross. On the Man's head was a crown made from a thorn branch. The thorns were long a sharp. The little bird saw that the thorns were hurting the Man. It wanted to help Him, so it flew down and took the longest, sharpest thorn in its tine beak. The bird tugged and pulled until the thorn snapped from the branch. Then a strange thing happened. A drop of blood fell onto the bird's breast, staining it bright red. The stain never went away. And so today the robin proudly wears a red breast, because it helped a Man named Jesus...

Author unknown

Peppermint Damask & Gunpowder

"It was one of those March days

when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold:

when it is summer in the light,

and winter in the shade."

Charles Dickens

Early this month our local weatherman announced that this would be a colder than usual March. I think he was right. It's been chilly and cold. At least the sun shines most days and that brings a measure of cheer. It also helps to choose a cheerful teacup! My teacup today is a Royal Albert from the Old Country Roses collection. It's called Peppermint Damask, and I enjoy its minty greenness. Tendrils of wispy green leaves and a faint lattice design are sprinkled with yellow, pink, and red roses. It is classic elegance with a touch of whimsy. Today's tea is a classic green gunpowder from Guangdong province, China. It is a mild tea with a hint of smokiness that adds a distinctness that's enjoyed. Each leaf is hand-rolled into tiny pellets which unfurl into full, dark greenness. Classically delicious.

Speaking of green tea, have you read this study released earlier this week? In it researchers found that the more green tea a person drank, the more it reduced the risk of suffering a stroke. Now that's a good deal!

Crown Kensington Teal Chintz

What's in your teacup today? I'd love to know. Is it something you enjoy on an everyday basis? Or did you have something in your teacup that was unique and special to the day?

My teacup this morning is a Crown Kensington called Teal Chintz. It's fine bone china from Staffordshire, England. It was a gift from a sweet friend and is one of my favorite cup and saucer sets. The cheerful colors help start my day on a positive note! Today it contains a classic Ceylon tea from the Kenilworth Estate. Called Sonata, it is a fresh with citrusy tones. A bit of milk and stevia accompany this tea to create a cup of perfection. 

"Peasant and King are equals over the teacups...".

Today I am linking to Bernideen's Tea Time Blog where she is conducting a meme called Friends Sharing Tea.

When Women Create

 

The quilt guild ladies don't seem to ever slow down! 

Such energy and passion for quilting! 

For five days last week, guild members were busy sewing up a storm at this beautiful bed & breakfast.

A calm and gently flowing river sits on one side of the yellow bed & breakfast.

And on the other side is a quilt shop that is filled with bolt after bolt of quilt fabric! There's enough fabric to fill two buildings. Fabric is tucked into every crook, cranny, and corner! It is amazing!

Sewing machines, ironing boards, and cutting tables

fill the main rooms in this beautiful old house.

Unique and special hand-made quilts cover the beds in every sleeping room. Each is beautiful and exemplifies the care that the keeper of the house so willingly gives. The breakfasts she prepares each morning get rave reviews from guests!

Crock pots and tea kettles are a quilters friend. They can be filled and allowed to simmer the day away while everyone sews.

Such diligence reaps wonderful reward! The reward is not just an abundance of completed quilts, but friendships that will last a lifetime.

When women create...unbreakable bonds are formed.