That First Cup of Tea


When tea becomes ritual, it takes its place at the heart of our ability to see greatness in small things. Where is beauty to be found? In great things that, like everything else, are doomed to die, or in small things that aspire to nothing, yet know how to set a jewel of infinity in a single moment?
— Muriel Barbery, The Elegance of the Hedgehog

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A cup of tea—so simple yet so complex. It is not just about the various notes in its flavor but the emotions and memories it evokes. Not just a drink to satisfy a human craving but it has the amazing ability to soothe the soul. Have you ever had a particularly hard day and as soon as just inhale the aroma and take the first sip, you take a deep breath knowing that at least for that moment everything is fine.

The ritual of drinking tea can be as simple as a tea bag steeping in hot water in your favorite mug, or bringing out your favorite china teacup and make that moment a bit more special. Tea time is what you make of it. It is a personal moment. Savor it and enjoy it.


Notes on this vintage teacup: the teacup was made by British company Paragon, circa 1939-1949 based on the marking, The Paragon China Company was a British maker of bone china based in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, previously known as the Star China Company, and more recently part of the Royal Doulton group. I do not know the name of this patter but I love the baroque look it has. One of my favorites when I want to turn a simple tea ritual into something more special. :)

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You may find sharing in one these wonderful link-up parties: Heart & Soul Link Party, Home and Garden Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things, Vintage Charm Party.

roses & herbs ~ a little simple posy


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The profusely blooming climbing rose, Claire Austin, continues to provide beautiful blooms. I have never been a person who likes white or cream colored roses but with Claire Austin, Mr. David Austin managed to made a believer out of me. It is so sophisticated and also has a very Victorian quality in its appearance. A few days ago we had a stormy night and I knew these blooms would not make it, and so I made a little simple posy of the roses with a few sprigs of lemon thyme and oregano. I have a container of herbs that I planted not so much for herbs for cooking but also to give the corner of my porch a heavenly scent when the wind blows or when the balmy nights just makes the scent stronger. I think the result is simple yet very shabby chic thanks to a simple white enamel little vase. What do you think?

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