Keeping up old tradtions, remembering what once was so simple yet elegant.
Afternoon Tea
An afternoon tea with someone special is a time to treasure. Grandma always told me that to gather with ones' friends or family at least once a week with the comfort of tea was the best medicine anyone could offer. Tea must be sipped slowly and poured frequently and it will quiet the spirit and settle the stomach. I got the historical run down about tea as well.Grandma would ramble on her facts about tea: "You know tea has been an aid to medication since it was first drunk in China. In Japan, it's ceremonial preperation is an art form the focuses and cleanses the spirit. It has been noted that the teas from India have the reputation of being 'athletic ' teas from China, which first came to England through Holland."
Don't forget the fancy dishes and silverware. There is a sheer artistry that shines from "tea things"! From the silver sugar tongs to shell-thin porcelain cups, there is a testament to tea's value in our lives. Just looking at them brings out a feeling of comfort and welcome. I looked around to see all the different cups and matching saucers, the new and old tea pots Grandma had collected and realized the pleasure we get from the traditions linking beauty and grace with the taking of tea. The silverware might be old but these pieces were only used during her tea time. Those tiny tea spoons with porcelain tips placed to the right of each cup and saucer. I could hear the danty clanging of the china cups after each stirred in their sugar cubes. I saw her old tea strainer, it was to be used so that the tea being seeped in the tea pots could be cleansed of stray leaves as one poured...Oh and here she comes with the tea cozy to keep the tea warm.
Those special little cakes that Grandma spent the day before making , were placed on an antique plate that she had from her mother which was placed graciously in between the sugar cube bowel and the tea pots. There were fancy lace napkins that rested next to the small plates for the pastries. Flowers from her garden brightened the room while the scent from them was a fresh welcome. Grandma was now ready to recieve her company.
The familiar lament of dual-career parents raising children is, "I just can't do it all." The Libra Solution provides an alternative - a more satisfying and sustainable work and life approach - to the overwrought modern day norm.
It's almost Christmas. Lynn Basil is writing her last book about a secret entrance into the magical doll land of Sha Bebe that she loves so much. Bagannos have taken over the world! Lynn finally meets her dolls in real life. Can she write in a Secret
The familiar lament of dual-career parents raising children is, "I just can't do it all." The Libra Solution provides an alternative - a more satisfying and sustainable work and life approach - to the overwrought modern day norm.
