tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-124362682024-03-14T01:04:30.001-07:00Steph's Cup of TeaA blog on tea and my world around it.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753205572837649406noreply@blogger.comBlogger1581125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post-28002123759244653152023-05-30T21:03:00.010-07:002023-05-30T21:15:37.910-07:00Green Tea Sports Drink<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTE41_9cPQtbTfsMd6YZws7kZMkMHuJrFOh9-FdzGBgwdnlke27Pgr6yJngFFazBjpqL9wdcRzETomAmsCp9JdoNEX5NhM8rSgtg9wzUxKyGhs89iajGTJqUly8nKLVCCQWoEPWRU1GAPIL_tJmhBnTamfpddT-xw_Jf54sMYQ0OhDWWuaHw/s2488/IMG_1507.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2488" data-original-width="2488" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTE41_9cPQtbTfsMd6YZws7kZMkMHuJrFOh9-FdzGBgwdnlke27Pgr6yJngFFazBjpqL9wdcRzETomAmsCp9JdoNEX5NhM8rSgtg9wzUxKyGhs89iajGTJqUly8nKLVCCQWoEPWRU1GAPIL_tJmhBnTamfpddT-xw_Jf54sMYQ0OhDWWuaHw/w400-h400/IMG_1507.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Ingredients: Organic green tea, honey, sugar, salt, lemon and (not shown) coconut water</i></div><br /> Hello! It's been a loooong while since I've posted anything. A lot of life has happened since, and I'm also posting frequently on Instagram @stephwtea. But here I am with a bit more time on my hands, planning to share occasional musings on tea and life here once again. (Are blogs dead? Possibly - still, I write.)<p></p><div>I've transitioned out of my 25-year corporate career. So what have I been doing? Walking - a lot! (Plus cocooning and putting the foundation in place for my work going forward.) Back to the walking - I turned 50 earlier this year and I want to mark the milestone year with something physically challenging. I decided to hike, in one day, a well-known trail in my region that happens to be about 50 kilometers (31 miles). I've been training since Dec 30th, my last day of work. <br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3eazzMRVg_WmFSFBLzVY9cQlNnTzdHeRm7zSbde3zGOVIkUNllqWpxwiNXAKWiXXYvHNPuBWcW6m42dOhmNNrGKdZrgxCH8nDeTHAZvN6iYBmPC1wdb0VQZ1T8d5KvMIaIjPu64I1jupJwSmWuB4qAVuw8u_fxbFAUGWzdq_ABoGad3MmXM/s3024/IMG_1509.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3eazzMRVg_WmFSFBLzVY9cQlNnTzdHeRm7zSbde3zGOVIkUNllqWpxwiNXAKWiXXYvHNPuBWcW6m42dOhmNNrGKdZrgxCH8nDeTHAZvN6iYBmPC1wdb0VQZ1T8d5KvMIaIjPu64I1jupJwSmWuB4qAVuw8u_fxbFAUGWzdq_ABoGad3MmXM/s320/IMG_1509.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><i>The color is all natural, from the tea and lemon juice</i></div><div><br /></div><div>It's been fantastic! And a LOT of miles, which brings me to the subject of this post. I don't usually do sports drinks for two reasons: 1 - I think they're over-utilized in general and 2 - I don't like the flavor of the commercial ones. And yet, once I got up to 4+ hours of hiking, I needed something in addition to water. My heartfelt thanks to Jenna Braddock for the <a href="https://jennabraddock.com/sports-drinks/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">original version of this recipe</span></a>! Jenna is a dietitian and personal trainer, and determined what was necessary to make a balanced drink in terms of sugars and electrolytes. Deep gratitude! I took the original recipe and customized just a bit, reducing how much is made and upgrading the quality of tea to loose, organic green. (I'm using the <a href="https://youngmountaintea.com/products/darjeeling-long-leaf?variant=39715501244529" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Young Mountain Tea Darjeeling Green</span></a>.)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4nbOiMoHbePW_eL7Ud6Zb35wWDd9BZWbqFAyyDUtd2A_bO947VKrSis-f-BGtEScwxXQMqZirQJG379XfCTpsosZeekJqyJEOfxjElV4S5FaJyhaiVoijsS7kznBE9t0TkUxTMJ7ZOc_mgpyvEt-zdbJP4UEBbLBgiuhHrMO12yv8vD8tzI/s1152/IMG_1526.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="865" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4nbOiMoHbePW_eL7Ud6Zb35wWDd9BZWbqFAyyDUtd2A_bO947VKrSis-f-BGtEScwxXQMqZirQJG379XfCTpsosZeekJqyJEOfxjElV4S5FaJyhaiVoijsS7kznBE9t0TkUxTMJ7ZOc_mgpyvEt-zdbJP4UEBbLBgiuhHrMO12yv8vD8tzI/s320/IMG_1526.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><i>Field testing: a winner!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's my version of the recipe, if you'd like to give it a try. It makes just a bit over 2 cups.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>In a heat-safe vessel, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 generous tablespoon of loose green tea. Steep for 4 minutes. (Important note: This is a very rare moment when I will suggest you use boiling water on green tea, and for this long! Usually, it's a shorter steep and much cooler water. Here we're making a concentrate.)</li><li>Remove the leaves after 4 minutes.</li><li>To the hot tea, add and stir until dissolved:</li><ul><li>1 TBSP of honey (fructose and glucose)</li><li>1/2 TBSP (aka teaspoon and a half) of table sugar (sucrose)</li><li>1/8 tsp salt</li></ul><li>Let the tea mixture cool a bit, then add 1 cup coconut water and 1/4 cup lemon juice</li><li>Chill and then enjoy out on the trail! (I usually make this the night before.)</li></ul></div><div><br /></div>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753205572837649406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post-30991919140300032812021-11-22T13:27:00.009-08:002021-11-22T13:38:22.982-08:00Favorite Things (Holiday Tea Gifts)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gUSpiTb9Oto/YZvclg9W17I/AAAAAAAARb0/7tCa0pC2ShU_E6NA_OTHf7lGomm6PFQrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1726/B18B8E9C-640D-4776-8AF7-661C262D68BA.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1726" data-original-width="1726" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gUSpiTb9Oto/YZvclg9W17I/AAAAAAAARb0/7tCa0pC2ShU_E6NA_OTHf7lGomm6PFQrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/B18B8E9C-640D-4776-8AF7-661C262D68BA.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #444444;">If you're looking for gifts for the tea lovers in your life, here are a few that I recommend. These support small businesses, people whom I know personally and respect deeply.</span><p></p><p><span style="color: #444444;"><b>TEA</b></span></p><p><b style="color: #444444;">Young Mountain Tea - </b><span style="color: #444444;">Try the </span><a href="https://youngmountaintea.com/collections/tea-bundles" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">tea bundles</span></a><span style="color: #444444;">! 15% off sale through Dec 12. Support sustainable futures for Himalayan tea farmers and families.</span></p><p><b style="color: #444444;">Jasmine Pearl Tea Company</b><span style="color: #444444;"> - Among many great choices, they have just released a </span><a href="https://thejasminepearl.com/jp-collaboration-sampler-set/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Sampler Set</span></a><span style="color: #444444;">, blended in partnership with Young Mountain Tea. Jasmine Pearl has a wide range of herbal options for those in your life who prefer caffeine-free deliciousness. </span></p><p><b style="color: #444444;">Floating Leaves Tea</b><span style="color: #444444;"> - Carrying some of the best Taiwanese </span><a href="https://floatingleaves.com/collections/tea" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">oolong teas</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> available in the US! I recommend Oriental Beauty (sweet), Dong Ding Traditional A (roasty), and 2021 Winter Smooth Water Baozhong (light, excellent broth). Sale Fri 11/26 - Mon 11/29.</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #444444;"><b>OTHER </b></span></p><p><b style="color: #444444;">Papaya Bento - </b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/papayabento?section_id=33886091" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Art prints</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> inspired by Camellia Sinensis, along with </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/papayabento?section_id=33871331" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">notecards</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> of the same prints (I LOVE these!). Artist Mitra Nite</span></p><p><span><b style="color: #444444;">Vintage Christmas Cookbook</b><span style="color: #444444;"> - </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Vintage-Christmas-Cookbook-Thrifter-Old-Fashioned/dp/1087923875" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Cookbook</span> </a><span style="color: #444444;">by tea lover and author Angela McRae.</span></span></p><p><span><b style="color: #444444;">Padded Tote for Gaiwan/Small Teapot</b><span style="color: #444444;"> - If you sew, you need </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/marmaladys?fbclid=IwAR3SgBr3xlL2OkqahNlkr_XQ6rWb4LAR4hUyibF0Ag5-wF725QJ79JP_xQ0" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">this pattern</span></a><span style="color: #444444;">! Snuggle in that precious tea ware.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #444444;">Note: I received no products or compensation for this post.</span></p>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753205572837649406noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post-89003216254101533352021-10-08T10:44:00.005-07:002021-10-08T10:45:52.727-07:00Breakfast Picnics<p><span style="color: #444444;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nDpEMu-Fg_0/YWCAYcyXehI/AAAAAAAARZ0/I9CgCt2qgDMHbUEE0s9Ur5HRY6Ug6h7fACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9751%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nDpEMu-Fg_0/YWCAYcyXehI/AAAAAAAARZ0/I9CgCt2qgDMHbUEE0s9Ur5HRY6Ug6h7fACLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_9751%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">During the pandemic, daily walks have been a means for me to find sanity, comfort and even joy. Sometimes all three in a day, sometimes just holding tightly to sanity. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">I occasionally add a breakfast picnic to the outing, and it's definitely a boost to my well-being. It typically works like this: I pack up my backpack with a very simple breakfast (muffin, scone, etc.), a cup and saucer (maybe two), a thermos of tea and maybe a tablecloth. Then off I go for my walk, ending where I can sit and have a quiet moment. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J8mzAC2UtDo/YWCBL41p5AI/AAAAAAAARaA/tp4JTBTOoSMEho0nX_2A8YCLL0ZQc4sWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9570.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J8mzAC2UtDo/YWCBL41p5AI/AAAAAAAARaA/tp4JTBTOoSMEho0nX_2A8YCLL0ZQc4sWQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_9570.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">Even if it's on your patio or front steps, consider giving this a try! Now that many of us are moving into cool weather, don't give up. A hot cup of tea warms my heart and soul. </span></div><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NigNlSlQU_I/YWCBNEWOVII/AAAAAAAARaE/4nOAGIp9GB0XKwZtKpxD4In4K5zccciGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/76EC3350-4DD3-44DC-A130-1F007C7DFB76.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NigNlSlQU_I/YWCBNEWOVII/AAAAAAAARaE/4nOAGIp9GB0XKwZtKpxD4In4K5zccciGwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/76EC3350-4DD3-44DC-A130-1F007C7DFB76.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gYTUaSIfMqQ/YWCBONX-AmI/AAAAAAAARaI/KXSCQvlTnD8_Ma-Gwd6-MJlcCqjRn-P_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1212.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gYTUaSIfMqQ/YWCBONX-AmI/AAAAAAAARaI/KXSCQvlTnD8_Ma-Gwd6-MJlcCqjRn-P_QCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_1212.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rbzZi1lG6w8/YWCBOtj_9jI/AAAAAAAARaM/v7bZuYWHH-8yujzTHN0KjuPwLoznn596QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/212618207_127003589578447_8028289066570198455_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rbzZi1lG6w8/YWCBOtj_9jI/AAAAAAAARaM/v7bZuYWHH-8yujzTHN0KjuPwLoznn596QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/212618207_127003589578447_8028289066570198455_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><br /><p></p>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753205572837649406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post-6572140247581341682020-11-15T14:51:00.002-08:002020-11-15T14:59:11.258-08:00Distractions<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PcykpAm4m7k/X7GsSLFk51I/AAAAAAAARJk/iDzihcUVhdETlKh_oUDcRMDb53uFXCouQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3878.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PcykpAm4m7k/X7GsSLFk51I/AAAAAAAARJk/iDzihcUVhdETlKh_oUDcRMDb53uFXCouQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/IMG_3878.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today, the latest season of The Crown was released (Netflix). To celebrate, I made homemade crumpets. They're not difficult, basically a yeasted pancake. But they do take an investment of time, and I make them infrequently. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I made crumpets to celebrate, but also (mostly) to distract myself. As COVID cases rise, we do our part to protect one another. For me, that means the continuation of staying home and not traveling to see my family. This is very hard, but I believe it's necessary. So I distract myself as best I can.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TTs_-w0askg/X7GvLMTv1CI/AAAAAAAARKE/vMNJazIY04AEdBjkzKsqy2p1_aPetcOlACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3870.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TTs_-w0askg/X7GvLMTv1CI/AAAAAAAARKE/vMNJazIY04AEdBjkzKsqy2p1_aPetcOlACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/IMG_3870.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I enjoyed tea and crumpets in the sunniest corner of our home, which I've nicknamed the "solarium." Now, to a little binge watching...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IUpy0uR4HJY/X7GwZzIfLII/AAAAAAAARKQ/oBCOgYKGw7YiR3JTFRSLoIXtjFkIVmTiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3891.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IUpy0uR4HJY/X7GwZzIfLII/AAAAAAAARKQ/oBCOgYKGw7YiR3JTFRSLoIXtjFkIVmTiwCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/IMG_3891.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753205572837649406noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post-40906641692683501412020-08-25T21:26:00.020-07:002020-08-26T06:52:21.599-07:00100 Years of (some) Women's Suffrage, Tea and More to Do<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGo0LigHwWE/X0WoD9gmBbI/AAAAAAAARDc/-u8T0cBIzIc4Fr-VWaNDsoUu_0KMk3quwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3848.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGo0LigHwWE/X0WoD9gmBbI/AAAAAAAARDc/-u8T0cBIzIc4Fr-VWaNDsoUu_0KMk3quwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_3848.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>My copy of the tea set used by Alva Vanderbilt Belmont, <br />commissioned to raise funds for the suffrage movement. <a href="https://theteamaestro.com/2020/06/12/americas-suffragette-movement-started-with-a-simple-tea-party/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">More info</span></a></i></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This month in the US, we mark the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which granted some women (mostly white women) the right to vote. The <a href="https://www.teenvogue.com/story/19th-amendment-anniversary-benefited-white-women" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">hard truth</span></a> is that it took another 45 years for women of color to be guaranteed voting rights with the passage of the Voting Rights Act. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.history.com/news/early-womens-rights-suffrage-seneca-falls-elizabeth-cady-stanton" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Tea was a fueling beverage</span></a> for the women a century-plus ago, laboring for suffrage. <b>As
we note the hard-fought victory of the 19th Amendment, let us also drink in the bitterness
of this tea -- that many sisters of color were unable to vote until 1965. And another 10 years for Americans whose primary language was not English.</b> 1975 -- that's in my lifetime. A
moment of silence to acknowledge these transgressions. And a commitment to work for social justice. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Following the model set by women in the UK, US women met <b>over cups of tea</b> to strategize and proselytize. One infamous moment: In July 1848, Jane Hunt invited Elisabeth Cady Stanton to her home for tea, along with Lucretia Mott, Martha Wright and Mary Ann McClintock. These women were impassioned, and the gathering led to the <a href="https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/seneca-falls-convention-begins" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Seneca Falls Convention</span></a> just 10 days later. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Let us now name some of the Black Suffragists who worked hard for voting rights: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sojourner_Truth" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Sojourner Truth</span></a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daisy_Elizabeth_Adams_Lampkin" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Daisy Elizabeth Adams Lampkin</span></a>, <a href="https://www.history.com/news/black-suffragists-19th-amendment" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, Mary Ann Shadd Cary, Mary Church Terrell, Nannie Helen Burroughs, Ida B. Wells</span></a>. Latinx suffragists include: <span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mar%C3%ADa_Ruiz_de_Burton" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">María Amparo Ruiz de Burton</span></a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adelina_Otero-Warren" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Adelina Otero-Warren</span></a>. </span> Thanking Indigenous/Native American suffragist<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zitkala-Sa#:~:text=Zitk%C3%A1la%2D%C5%A0%C3%A1%20(1876%E2%80%931938,%2C%20educator%2C%20and%20political%20activist." target="_blank"> <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Zitkala-Sa</span></a> and the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2016/11/24/millions-of-women-voted-for-hillary-clinton-they-have-the-iroquois-to-thank/?noredirect=on" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Iriquois model of inclusion</span></a>. Gratitude to Chinese-American <a href="https://www.womensvote100.org/the-suff-buffs-blog/2020/4/30/mabel-ping-hua-lee-how-chinese-american-women-helped-shape-the-suffrage-movement" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mabel Ping-Hua Lee</span></a> and Japanese supporter <a href="https://www.aprilmag.com/2018/11/05/komako-kimura-the-japanese-suffragist-on-the-streets-of-new-york/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Komako Kimura</span></a>, who came from Japan to march with women in New York. These are just a few of the many women of color who were committed to the cause. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lu8WTtPhA4c/X0XPAkAd9ZI/AAAAAAAARD0/2Yh21jyZhDIijcL2DlTqMJeAr4mlZHgtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s567/tm5153-equality-brand-tea-resize-small.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lu8WTtPhA4c/X0XPAkAd9ZI/AAAAAAAARD0/2Yh21jyZhDIijcL2DlTqMJeAr4mlZHgtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/tm5153-equality-brand-tea-resize-small.jpg" /></a>The ingenuity of the suffragists impresses, still today. They used tea parties to educate others, enlist support and raise money. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There were at lest two special brands of tea sold for the cause, Equality Tea being one. Given that tea packaging is fragile, little physical evidence of this remains. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In addition to the tea set shown above, the National American Woman Suffrage Association sold a demitasse cup and saucer embellished with "Votes for Women" on a gold rim. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><i><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Image left: courtesy the California Secretary of State</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Image below: courtesy liveauctioneers.com </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EWOvNn6Ywl0/X0XTT6w2Q2I/AAAAAAAAREA/zRzOJiRzvpkseYVSqDAWJXcxxoQ0z40lwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1100/gold.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="1100" height="204" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EWOvNn6Ywl0/X0XTT6w2Q2I/AAAAAAAAREA/zRzOJiRzvpkseYVSqDAWJXcxxoQ0z40lwCLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h204/gold.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">By the way, I've just learned that in the US, the preferred term was <b>suffragist </b>(not suffragette). <a href="https://amazingwomeninhistory.com/suffragist-vs-suffragette/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Read more</span></a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm indebted to and inspired by these suffragist women. I continue to think about how tea can play a role in the work of social justice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wADdlmMondM/X0XY5KNvSYI/AAAAAAAAREM/fQLlEQz1FmgyPnf-Mr4fiRCxESbqUgeAACLcBGAsYHQ/s800/Susan_B._Anthony_and_Frederick_Douglas_statue_near_Susan_B._Anthony%2527s_House.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wADdlmMondM/X0XY5KNvSYI/AAAAAAAAREM/fQLlEQz1FmgyPnf-Mr4fiRCxESbqUgeAACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Susan_B._Anthony_and_Frederick_Douglas_statue_near_Susan_B._Anthony%2527s_House.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susan_B._Anthony" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Susan B. Anthony</span></a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Douglass" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Frederick Douglas</span></a> statue in Rochester, NY<br />"Let's Have Tea" by Pepsy Kettavong</i><i><br />Image from commons.wikimedia.org</i></div><div><br /></div></div><p></p>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753205572837649406noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post-43882583465945136242020-07-11T09:24:00.002-07:002020-07-11T09:40:23.740-07:00Memories in a Tea Cozy/Cosy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bLQon3kmnTs/XwniXDzeHYI/AAAAAAAARBQ/LWey8vgmDHwUNREpiNOyAhOkz0VDJQCAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_3813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bLQon3kmnTs/XwniXDzeHYI/AAAAAAAARBQ/LWey8vgmDHwUNREpiNOyAhOkz0VDJQCAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_3813.JPG" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">How do you spell it? Tea Cozy (common in the US) or Tea Cosy (common in the UK). I appreciate both styles. :-) Anyway you spell it, they're handy. I dislike cold tea, and a cozy/cosy helps! Especially this one, which has a thermal lining in the middle. I used </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2010/jun/23/how-to-make-tea-cosy" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">these instructions</a><span style="color: #444444;"> to make one sized for my smaller teapots. </span><span style="color: #444444;">I wanted to feature the Darjeeling text, and on the other side, Ceylon, so I fussy cut the fabric.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">This fabric was a gift from my "room friend," affectionately called Rose MacGyver due to her cleverness in devising solutions to all kinds of needs when we were traveling in </span><a href="http://stephcupoftea.blogspot.com/search/label/Asia%20Tea%20Tour" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">China, Tibet and India</span></a><span style="color: #444444;">. We also traveled together to London, and so it's my attempt to connect these adventures (a British-inspired cosy with the Indian tea-growing region prominently displayed). </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MEdQYeVWp8A/XwniXP0VMgI/AAAAAAAARBM/9WQ69bNYdCsM4qgsx7Qfnm4LHZaaMslHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_3816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MEdQYeVWp8A/XwniXP0VMgI/AAAAAAAARBM/9WQ69bNYdCsM4qgsx7Qfnm4LHZaaMslHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_3816.JPG" width="425" /></a></span></div>
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<i>That's the DH, dear hubby, gardening in the background at a community garden plot </i></div>
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This cozy/cosy also connects me with my trip back to Darjeeling this past October, and another dear friend who was my traveling companion, AM. I dream of the day when I can host a tea where these two women can meet and share talk of travel. </div>
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I've been using this cozy/cosy nearly every day, and thinking of my friends and our adventures! Comfort and warmth in tough times.</div>
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Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753205572837649406noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post-87294894728080924332020-04-26T15:31:00.000-07:002020-04-26T15:35:35.333-07:00Tea School, of Tea Fest PDX<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nndAz8-n9M0/XqYKxDQX7_I/AAAAAAAAQ60/JN8Oj8sIXxsLSfFTCBKyDmBlaR-t5AMIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nndAz8-n9M0/XqYKxDQX7_I/AAAAAAAAQ60/JN8Oj8sIXxsLSfFTCBKyDmBlaR-t5AMIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_7714.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;">The </span><a href="https://www.teafestpdx.com/" style="color: #444444;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Portland Tea Festival</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> is launching an online </span><a href="https://www.teafestpdx.com/shop-1" style="color: #444444;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Tea School</span></a><span style="color: #444444;">! The classes are really awesome and really affordable! I hope you'll take a look. I'm teaching a class on </span><b><span style="color: blue;">Bowl-Style Brewing</span></b><span style="color: #444444;"> this Wednesday, 4/29 at 1 pm PDT. It's a brew-along, and will be lots of fun! </span></span><br />
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Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753205572837649406noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post-71701824820011487732020-03-26T16:31:00.000-07:002020-03-26T16:31:15.985-07:00Tea and Books Sustain Me > Helping the Sellers<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z3um-eM5tOM/Xn06SoZsrkI/AAAAAAAAQ1E/RlA_h-UjaZswjaTtU0kLhOdj7WhG3Q_ggCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_3748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z3um-eM5tOM/Xn06SoZsrkI/AAAAAAAAQ1E/RlA_h-UjaZswjaTtU0kLhOdj7WhG3Q_ggCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_3748.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Tea and books help sustain me in these unprecedented times. (OK, Star Trek too.) </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">I buy my teas from small specialty shops, and they need our help right now. So do the independent bookstores. Below are some of my favorites. If you are in the fortunate position of financial security, perhaps you can send some love to yourself, your mom, your neighbor, your favorite nurse, in the form of tea and books...</span><br />
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<b><a href="https://thejasminepearl.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Jasmine Pearl Tea Company</span></a></b><span style="color: #444444;">: A wide range of quality teas, including herbals. I'm a fan of Bombay Breakfast, African Grey and Yoga blend.</span><br />
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<a href="https://floatingleaves.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Floating Leaves Tea</b></span></a><span style="color: #444444;">: A shop that specializes in exquisite Taiwanese oolongs. If you like light teas, try a high mountain oolong. If you like dark, roasted flavors, try Charcoal Dong Ding. </span><br />
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<a href="https://youngmountaintea.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Young Mountain Tea</b></span></a><span style="color: #444444;">: Working in India and Nepal to make not only amazing teas, but also to build vibrant local communities. Try the Black Orchid and the Ruby Oolong.</span><br />
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<b><a href="https://www.powells.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Powell's Books</span></a></b><span style="color: #444444;">: A Portland icon! Or support your local bookstore.</span>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753205572837649406noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post-70557566563474558322020-01-08T14:23:00.000-08:002020-01-08T14:27:55.540-08:00Back to Glenburn Tea Estate<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3AeD-ffnfJU/Xd8AsM8La7I/AAAAAAAAQq0/q2vfxmYkOG4pCTUKsuHK7OxExAIUNMbTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_5691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3AeD-ffnfJU/Xd8AsM8La7I/AAAAAAAAQq0/q2vfxmYkOG4pCTUKsuHK7OxExAIUNMbTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_5691.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">Woman plucking tea in Darjeeling</span></i></div>
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<i><i><span style="color: #444444;">Thank you</span> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/anabananapdx/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">AM</span> </a>f<span style="color: #444444;">or snapping this photo!</span></i></i></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">A workmate pointed out that I used the word <i>heaven</i> three times in one sentence, as I was describing my trip to Darjeeling, India and particularly</span> <a href="http://www.glenburnteaestate.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Glenburn Tea Estate</span></a>. <span style="color: #444444;">Beautiful tea fields, majestic mountains, ethereal mists, scrumptious meals, plenty of exercise and time for day dreaming, good friends (old and new), and of course -- Darjeeling tea! </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQGxW-o0s0g/Xd8HdDoEoYI/AAAAAAAAQr0/Nuh9CKs1t2M-ghO98h0HMjKDB5FAVG1UgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_5257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQGxW-o0s0g/Xd8HdDoEoYI/AAAAAAAAQr0/Nuh9CKs1t2M-ghO98h0HMjKDB5FAVG1UgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_5257.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">On the way to Glenburn, we stopped for a picnic next to a tea field. <br />The fogged-in field was other-worldly! </span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">The path to Glenburn is, quite literally, over the river and through the woods and up a mountain and through the tea fields. It's a winding, and towards the end, very bumpy journey. Along the way, you'll stop for a picnic in a beautiful scenic area. (If you're prone to motion sickness, as I am, take meds AND sit in the front seat!) The 3-4 hour journey is worth every minute. When you arrive, you'll be treated to a welcoming glass of lemonade and the kindness of the hosts and staff. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rxemc1fwOWA/Xd8ClQtqJXI/AAAAAAAAQrA/m2RVycY1SwIDe8gGYU9hC2C7ZakCjcvBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_5491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rxemc1fwOWA/Xd8ClQtqJXI/AAAAAAAAQrA/m2RVycY1SwIDe8gGYU9hC2C7ZakCjcvBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_5491.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">Our first day there, we decided to relax and do a little exploring. I requested a cup of tea and what arrived was Afternoon Tea with fried tea leaves, cake and cookies!</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iwft4m9d4h0/Xd8Dfc3hJFI/AAAAAAAAQrM/t_sJXXzjZeYbc9PMMTZvLRaEWw-ePaCIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_5342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iwft4m9d4h0/Xd8Dfc3hJFI/AAAAAAAAQrM/t_sJXXzjZeYbc9PMMTZvLRaEWw-ePaCIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_5342.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">One of the best things about Glenburn is bed tea! </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">Your wake-up call is a tray of tea, cookies and splendid views.</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">I had been to Glenburn</span> <a href="https://stephcupoftea.blogspot.com/search?q=glenburn" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">once before</span></a> and long wanted to return. This trip in early October was one of the most lovely experiences of 2019. Special thanks to my traveling companion AM, and the the staff of Glenburn! Bertie, Audrey, Rudolph and team - you made us feel so welcome!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hm_buodWrcI/Xd7-RfgPJeI/AAAAAAAAQqU/1AUpfPhr0H00IrvlFSdr9KrNaMSZs4EZwCEwYBhgL/s1600/FWUN0134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hm_buodWrcI/Xd7-RfgPJeI/AAAAAAAAQqU/1AUpfPhr0H00IrvlFSdr9KrNaMSZs4EZwCEwYBhgL/s320/FWUN0134.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Me, taking a walk in the tea fields</i></div>
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<i>Imagine plucking for hours on slopes like this! </i></div>
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<i>I have so much gratitude to the people who make our cups of Darjeeling tea possible.</i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6FBSOb_18UA/Xd8DVlDoZ0I/AAAAAAAAQrI/L2x0Ce9Hh8oT3Dh_XjBXq-wvDG8Bxd0MwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_5355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6FBSOb_18UA/Xd8DVlDoZ0I/AAAAAAAAQrI/L2x0Ce9Hh8oT3Dh_XjBXq-wvDG8Bxd0MwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_5355.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>The porch, where I spent many happy moments writing in my journal (and drinking tea)</i></div>
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<i><br /></i><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YkSNo-WRz8Y/Xd8ESshFTUI/AAAAAAAAQrg/voPYz2DWcTobTdARgHd5N69Abk1gj4s6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_5550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YkSNo-WRz8Y/Xd8ESshFTUI/AAAAAAAAQrg/voPYz2DWcTobTdARgHd5N69Abk1gj4s6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_5550.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<i>We spent a morning in the factory, learning how the tea is processed and sampling the <br />Glenburn lineup</i></div>
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<i>Dinner is a leisurely, multi-course event but always finished with chocolate and tea.</i></div>
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<i><i>Somehow, I still slept soundly!</i></i></div>
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<i>Bertie and Audrey (along with Rudolph, not shown) -- hosts extraordinaire!</i></div>
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It's heaven for me!</div>
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Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753205572837649406noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post-32167034413155790162019-07-15T08:03:00.000-07:002019-07-15T19:42:49.682-07:00Chanoyu: What Have You Been Studying for So Long?<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EGSFCNP7fNM/XRp7QjB1QiI/AAAAAAAAQko/XMyUA-UACpk0w9iVLM-CpLbn40reiPRZgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EGSFCNP7fNM/XRp7QjB1QiI/AAAAAAAAQko/XMyUA-UACpk0w9iVLM-CpLbn40reiPRZgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3494.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">I have been studying <i>Chanoyu</i>, commonly referred to in English as the Japanese Tea Ceremony, for 7.5 years as of this writing. While my sensei considers me an intermediate student, in many ways I feel like a beginner. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">I'm almost universally met with a "Wow!" when I share that I've been studying for this long. And what most folks are too polite to ask is, "What's taking so long?" :-) It's a fair question!</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">First, there isn't one "tea ceremony." There are many variations, based on numerous factors such as season, guests, occasion, utensils, location and much more. Also, the further into my studies I go, the more complicated and lengthy the procedures become.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Second, it's physically demanding! It's hard (at least for me) to sit on my knees for long periods. Add to that the need to walk in a specific manner, make each movement with deliberation, and rise gracefully from the kneeling position (with precious tea utensils in my hands). It takes practice, conditioning, and skill to make this all look effortless. There is much to be learned! </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Third, we learn about many Japanese art forms and much history as we go. This includes the art and craft of pottery, ceramics, iron, bamboo, calligraphy, lacquer, wood, incense, flowers and more. We learn and tell stories about the tea utensils and the people who have made them.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">And finally, I've referred so far to <i>Chanoyu</i>, which means <i>hot water for tea</i>. The term <i>Chado</i>, or <i>the </i>w<i>ay of tea</i>, is another expression, one of great depth, used for tea ceremony. There are four grounding principles in the tea ceremony: Harmony, Respect, Purity and Tranquility. To me, <i>Chado </i>expresses the spirit one has when approaching tea ceremony with discipline, mindfulness and care, and when attempting to apply the four principles to life.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Like ballet or painting or writing, there are elements of both discipline and art that can be studied, practiced and honed over a lifetime. One of my favorite experiences of tea ceremony was when I was invited to a tea gathering in Nara, Japan a few years ago (as a guest of my sensei). We watched as women well into their 70s and 80s practiced tea, with their sensei being nearly 90. They moved fluidly through the steps of the ceremony and appeared to radiate with their love of tea. May I be so fortunate!</span>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753205572837649406noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post-78772029017113447572019-05-20T19:16:00.001-07:002019-05-28T19:26:40.378-07:00Lovejoy's Tea Room, Portland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uR48ogrTlmU/XO3iiiwjyvI/AAAAAAAAQio/Fz_2-MbGmioHbkvflQF0xZynhLVWlGjbgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #444444; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uR48ogrTlmU/XO3iiiwjyvI/AAAAAAAAQio/Fz_2-MbGmioHbkvflQF0xZynhLVWlGjbgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1812.JPG" width="480" /></a><br /><i><span style="color: #444444;">Me, in a fabulous chair at Lovejoy's in Portland</span><br /><span style="color: #444444;">Thank you @</span><a href="https://www.concretepapaya.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">mitranite</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> for the photo!</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Portland has a new tea room, and I think (hope!) it’s here to stay! </span><a href="https://www.lovejoysportland.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Lovejoy's Tea Room</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> on Killingsworth is a blend of traditional and cheeky, serious about the food and tea with the right blend of quirks and welcome to keep it interesting. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p28iK1t1KPs/XO3ite5FwWI/AAAAAAAAQi8/zi0Pfk1gclsm8OpWQgFarZ5uHLE44oYJQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p28iK1t1KPs/XO3ite5FwWI/AAAAAAAAQi8/zi0Pfk1gclsm8OpWQgFarZ5uHLE44oYJQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2890.JPG" width="300" /></a><br /><i>The Queen's Tea ($29.95) comes with a scone and a crumpet</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">I've been here twice, and both times I enjoyed myself. The tea room attracts the traditional ladies who do tea, but also a young, diverse crowd. I think this could be the key to the tea room's sustained success. When I visited recently, a table entirely of young men sat just behind me. Owner Brendon Constans sets the tone for the environment, where one can be welcomed for who they are. All best wishes!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bQftydoqqeA/XO3iqOe8KyI/AAAAAAAAQi0/qb_VJDixB6ApDBGwgJJHrKtzwkigZmLsQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bQftydoqqeA/XO3iqOe8KyI/AAAAAAAAQi0/qb_VJDixB6ApDBGwgJJHrKtzwkigZmLsQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1838.JPG" width="240" /></a><br /><i>Brendon Constans, Owner</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">Tempting petit fours</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zjx2WX35EHo/XO3ilPXTeNI/AAAAAAAAQis/vSrAN7h23skNV3owSnBqeqangfY74VGdgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zjx2WX35EHo/XO3ilPXTeNI/AAAAAAAAQis/vSrAN7h23skNV3owSnBqeqangfY74VGdgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1833.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /><i>Captain Picard watches over the tea room</i></span></div>
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Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753205572837649406noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post-31658971827366196452019-03-22T17:46:00.001-07:002019-03-22T18:19:46.141-07:00Whisking Matcha for Enjoyment at Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eNT5TduqanY/XJKXyc8lTQI/AAAAAAAAQeU/wkIgW6PYdFI0-5ddWW-PGfpS4_7qoANlACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img alt="Matcha in tea caddy" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eNT5TduqanY/XJKXyc8lTQI/AAAAAAAAQeU/wkIgW6PYdFI0-5ddWW-PGfpS4_7qoANlACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1655.JPG" title="" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Hello and happy Spring! I'm going to be writing a series on the "Japanese Tea Ceremony" experience, known as Chanoyu or Chad</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">ō</span><span style="color: #444444;"> (the Way of Tea). But before we dive into that, I want to share how you can easily make and enjoy a bowl of matcha at home. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">And when I say bowl, I mean just that! In this style of drinking matcha, each person gets their own bowl of tea. I'll be making thin tea, called usucha. It's the frothy kind and it's amazing!</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">It's important to understand that there are many different schools of Chad</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">ō</span><span style="color: #444444;">, and each has its own way of making tea. There are differences in how to whisk, the desired frothiness, etc. And yet each produces a beautiful and delicious bowl of tea. The school from Japan that I am associated with is </span><a href="http://www.urasenke.or.jp/texte/index.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Urasenke</span></a><span style="color: #444444;">. My local school is </span><a href="http://issoantea.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Issoan</span></a><span style="color: #444444;">. Even though the instructions below are not for a tea ceremony, the style I've learned will show through.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">In the picture above, you see a shaped "mountain" of matcha in a traditional tea caddy. Below are the typical implements: a bowl, whisk, scoop, tea caddy and a water ladle. You will not need all of these things.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gtdbqVtRyuQ/XJKXyVE5dbI/AAAAAAAAQeM/st5MQcgLIvcmYxs-9Y541ZgAqJ_Q3PmdQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1664b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img alt="Traditional tools for making matcha" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gtdbqVtRyuQ/XJKXyVE5dbI/AAAAAAAAQeM/st5MQcgLIvcmYxs-9Y541ZgAqJ_Q3PmdQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1664b.jpg" title="" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">What you WILL need: </span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #444444;">A bowl with a wide enough bottom for the whisk to move freely. Something like a rice or cereal bowl.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">A measuring cup</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">A mesh strainer</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Teaspoon</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Bamboo whisk </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Matcha </span></li>
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<span style="color: #444444;">I recommend two investments for home enjoyment of matcha: A <b>bamboo whisk (chasen)</b> and <b>good matcha</b>. A reputable source available in the US is </span><a href="https://ippodotea.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Ippodo</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;">. Please be careful where you buy your matcha and do </span><u style="color: #444444;">not</u><span style="color: #444444;"> use cooking grade. You are ingesting the ground-up leaf and the flavor is intensified. You want the good stuff for drinking. Expect to pay $25-30/canister for a decent matcha. See </span><a href="https://www.thekitchn.com/where-to-buy-matcha-online-252322" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">this site</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> for more options. Also, don't buy large quantities and store the canister of matcha in a plastic bag with the air pushed out, in the freezer. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3_0bULIjHqU/XJKXybR4OmI/AAAAAAAAQeQ/NSPY5UhuoXEWQNKXdKU1D1jMte0Pf0RrQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1671b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Utensils for making matcha at home" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3_0bULIjHqU/XJKXybR4OmI/AAAAAAAAQeQ/NSPY5UhuoXEWQNKXdKU1D1jMte0Pf0RrQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1671b.jpg" title="" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<ol><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E3fgrt2d3rw/XJKXy1UeEuI/AAAAAAAAQeY/8orFdKzJYUUypamSiAvRQuaVyzfoKj1XgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sifting matcha" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E3fgrt2d3rw/XJKXy1UeEuI/AAAAAAAAQeY/8orFdKzJYUUypamSiAvRQuaVyzfoKj1XgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1674.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a>
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To make your bowl of matcha:<br />
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1. Rinse your bowl with hot water, then dry it out. This pre-warms the bowl and removes liquid that might cause the matcha to clump.<br />
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2. Place the mesh strainer over the bowl. Measure in a scant (less than full) teaspoon of matcha. Tap the strainer or use the back of a spoon to push the tea through. Straining the tea helps reduce lumps.<br />
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3.Now add between 1/4 and 1/3 cup of hot water, ~170 degrees Fahrenheit. Please do not use boiling water. When I remove my kettle from the heat source and take the lid off, it takes ~3.5 minutes to cool to the right temp.</div>
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4. Take your whisk and lightly press down any floating tea. Then move the whisk briskly in a straight up-and-down motion. (Other tea schools do this differently.) See the video below. You do not need to press down hard on the whisk (that can break the tines). Placing your hand over the top of the bowl helps to steady it.</div>
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5. Keep whisking until you see a thick foam forming. <br />
Keep going a wee bit longer. Then move the whisk <br />
across the top lightly to pop any big bubbles.</div>
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6. Set the whisk down and enjoy the tea! <br />
Matcha is commonly enjoyed with a small sweet.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tdnwd3KBFrw" style="color: #444444;" width="480"></iframe></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><i>Notice how the foam gets thicker over time. Keep going!</i></span><br />
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If your matcha froth isn't thick, try using a little more matcha, a little less water, or whisking a little longer.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-srR2eIZA8lk/XJVbom6BCuI/AAAAAAAAQe8/DUIpDcKXge8LcyzX1ELz8ZQ9IRtslHLZACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mmmm.. frothy, foamy matcha" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-srR2eIZA8lk/XJVbom6BCuI/AAAAAAAAQe8/DUIpDcKXge8LcyzX1ELz8ZQ9IRtslHLZACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1767.JPG" title="" width="300" /></a></div>
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Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753205572837649406noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post-9623246577638457612019-01-24T18:43:00.000-08:002019-01-24T18:48:42.274-08:00Mary Oliver<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BqtnG556OgE/XEpxPCeW_YI/AAAAAAAAQWI/Yva34RKcZGA_Bto0qJiZlVUsSZBBFaJHQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1207%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BqtnG556OgE/XEpxPCeW_YI/AAAAAAAAQWI/Yva34RKcZGA_Bto0qJiZlVUsSZBBFaJHQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1207%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="512" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">As you have likely </span><a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/01/17/577380646/beloved-poet-mary-oliver-who-believed-poetry-mustn-t-be-fancy-dies-at-83" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">heard</span></a><span style="color: #444444;">, poet Mary Oliver recently died. I love her poetry, how it imbues the natural world with everyday magic, and inspires/invites/insists that we pay attention. I find that her poems pair exceedingly well with tea. They invite me to pause and to take notice of the place I inhabit.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here is one of my favorite poems, from among many, many favorites:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>It Was Early</b><br />~Mary Oliver, from <i>Evidence</i>, 2009 and published again in <i>Devotions</i>, 2017</span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was early, <br /> which has always been my hour <br /> to begin looking <br /> at the world<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and of course, <br /> even in the darkness, <br /> to begin <br /> listening into it,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">especially <br /> under the pines <br /> where the owl lives <br /> and sometimes calls out<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">as I walk by,<br /> as he did <br /> on this morning. <br /> So many gifts!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What do they mean?</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <br /> In the marshes <br /> where the pink light </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> was just arriving</span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the mink <br /> with his bristle tail <br /> was stalking <br /> the soft-eared mice,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and in the pines <br /> the cones were heavy, <br /> each one <br /> ordained to open.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sometimes I need <br /> only to stand <br /> wherever I am <br /> to be blessed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Little mink, let me watch you.</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <br /> Little mice, run and run.</span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Dear pine cone, let me hold you <br /> as you open.</span></span></div>
Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753205572837649406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post-55949720795438054482019-01-08T19:47:00.000-08:002019-01-08T19:47:39.537-08:00Heathman Tea by Vitaly Paley<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pbn8foS8yFs/XDVWYRXTlTI/AAAAAAAAQVA/SOhQJB_0ngIYRdr-lDDUtDCsExSKdotUgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1098%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="906" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pbn8foS8yFs/XDVWYRXTlTI/AAAAAAAAQVA/SOhQJB_0ngIYRdr-lDDUtDCsExSKdotUgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1098%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="282" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444;">It's been open for awhile now, but I have not written about the re-envisioned afternoon tea at the </span><a href="http://www.headwaterspdx.com/russian-tea-1/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Heathman Hotel</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> in Portland, OR. Chef Vitaly Paley relied on his heritage (Belarusian) to inspire the experience. I had the opportunity to enjoy tea here recently, and am happy to share a few moments with you. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">The Tea: Paley collaborated with </span><a href="https://www.smithtea.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Steven Smith Teamaker</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> to curate a small but mighty list. I chose the Georgian Caravan, served only at the Heathman. It's smoky but not overwhelming, bold but allows for the jam (do add!) to be distinct. Plus the tea is served in a pretty glass cup with fancy metal cutwork. </span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TwWS7aTEvyE/XDVWYfCzHNI/AAAAAAAAQVE/1SGn8JJXA7E0-KxCa0bBl_9hrN9WR-6WwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1106%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TwWS7aTEvyE/XDVWYfCzHNI/AAAAAAAAQVE/1SGn8JJXA7E0-KxCa0bBl_9hrN9WR-6WwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1106%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">The Setting: I was visiting alone, something I enjoy. I was given a lovely seat near the fire. The restaurant manager rearranged things to ensure my view was of the fire - I made note! It's a gift to have such care. </span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sQPE3Ueccdg/XDVWYbCCVZI/AAAAAAAAQVI/O7j0k9rRSNMhbxIBBiWQiMnot-tuL2YRwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sQPE3Ueccdg/XDVWYbCCVZI/AAAAAAAAQVI/O7j0k9rRSNMhbxIBBiWQiMnot-tuL2YRwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1110.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">The Food: Bolder than one normally finds at afternoon tea, but delicious and unique! Find the full menu </span><a href="http://www.headwaterspdx.com/s/Russian-Tea-112818-7anb.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">here</span></a><span style="color: #444444;">. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">Some of my favorites: The middle tier shown below, including a deviled egg, walnut-stuffed eggplant, blini with caviar and mushroom piroshki (stuffed potato bread). The khachapouri (Georgian cheese bread - not shown) was amazing, and I was touched by the steopka (sour cream and walnut cake), based on his grandmother's recipe.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uX2EzzqHIp8/XDVWZ67CsYI/AAAAAAAAQVQ/DJOOLHTXRyMcomFppbqz3GEvV6jHiKfSQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uX2EzzqHIp8/XDVWZ67CsYI/AAAAAAAAQVQ/DJOOLHTXRyMcomFppbqz3GEvV6jHiKfSQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1119.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">If you're in Portland and love afternoon tea, I recommend this experience. Be sure to take in the lovely surroundings, too - the tall bookshelves and the interesting large-scale art.</span>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753205572837649406noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post-53993344220858265642018-12-29T16:01:00.004-08:002018-12-29T18:29:28.371-08:00Tea Haiku#1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t5yycQNS3hA/XCgKpOZuIwI/AAAAAAAAQUQ/xeiIbIrndUAVVtL6wZPOzcXIBxjjzq95gCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-12-29_15-52-31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="476" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t5yycQNS3hA/XCgKpOZuIwI/AAAAAAAAQUQ/xeiIbIrndUAVVtL6wZPOzcXIBxjjzq95gCLcBGAs/s400/2018-12-29_15-52-31.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">out my window</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">brown leaves, I long</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">for fresh plum blossoms</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: blue; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/teahaiku/" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">#teahaiku</a></span><br />
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Tea notes:</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Drinking Hanayaka Koshun, a Japanese green with a slight oolong-style wither from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010755181210" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010755181210</span></a> and found in the US at<a href="http://thejasminepearl.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"> Jasmine Pearl Tea Company</span></a>. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Teacup from <a href="http://www.x10studios.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.x10studios.com/</span></a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">I purchased the tea and the teacup was a gift from a friend. Neither product was received in exchange for being featured on the blog.</li>
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Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753205572837649406noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post-40502616164546212832018-10-22T14:49:00.000-07:002018-10-22T14:49:18.068-07:00Mrs. Su's Dong Ding Tea <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zA6UJq2vndY/W85Drmj9m5I/AAAAAAAAQMg/QyxYhlyTGiAbGAOD1BJS7Gfy6_TgY2Z-wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zA6UJq2vndY/W85Drmj9m5I/AAAAAAAAQMg/QyxYhlyTGiAbGAOD1BJS7Gfy6_TgY2Z-wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9675.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Today I am drinking a beautiful Dong Ding tea made by Mrs. Su. You can see her making tea at 7:00 in this</span> <b><a href="https://youtu.be/Xbj-MQ8ULgs" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">wonderful short documentary</span></a></b>. <span style="color: #444444;">My friend and tea guide Shiuwen of</span> <a href="https://floatingleaves.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Floating Leaves Tea</span></a>, <span style="color: #444444;">with her talented partners, have made the video. Please watch! </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">About the documentary: "This is a portrait of farmers Mr. and Mrs. Su, their dedication to their land on Dong Ding mountain and their family business of oolong tea making. The land on Dong Ding itself is incredible for tea production, which is the land that Mr Su's forefathers passed down to them. The Su family have preserved the art and land of their ancestors for many years.</span></span></span><br />
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</span></span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This short film also features Mr Zhan, a tea roasting master that inspired our tea journey. His teas are like magic. He also works with Dong Ding oolong. We plan to produce a full length film to preserve his legacy and share his story with a wider audience."</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">If you love Taiwanese oolongs and want to help preserve the history and tradition of charcoal roasting, please </span><a href="https://floatingleaves.com/pages/dong-ding-documentary" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">consider donating</span></a><span style="color: #111111;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;">to the making of the full-length documentary. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFeoe6olYVo/W85Dro7uBSI/AAAAAAAAQMw/8ru1n72bZzAV1drc4iMjp6NEU0MPPVbuQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_9678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFeoe6olYVo/W85Dro7uBSI/AAAAAAAAQMw/8ru1n72bZzAV1drc4iMjp6NEU0MPPVbuQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_9678.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753205572837649406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post-46426630318476966212018-09-25T07:03:00.000-07:002018-09-25T07:03:15.583-07:00Otsukimi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KxbsAgh9MiA/W6o6RGWcF2I/AAAAAAAAM_I/v39xXNUzq1UUUZIYHR4J8kQwlsn5fI4xQCLcBGAs/s1600/MonViewing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" data-original-height="361" data-original-width="496" height="464" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KxbsAgh9MiA/W6o6RGWcF2I/AAAAAAAAM_I/v39xXNUzq1UUUZIYHR4J8kQwlsn5fI4xQCLcBGAs/s640/MonViewing.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">Photo by Marjorie Yap, of </span><a href="http://issoantea.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Issoan Tea School</span></a></i></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">This photo captures the peacefulness of our recent tea gathering at the </span><a href="https://japanesegarden.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Portland Japanese Garden</span></a><span style="color: #444444;">, for </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsukimi" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Otsukimi</span></a><span style="color: #444444;">, or moon viewing, an event I look forward to every Autumn. Read more </span><a href="http://issoantea.com/o-tsukimi-the-moonviewing-festival/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">here</span></a><span style="color: #444444;">. (That's me in profile.)</span></div>
Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753205572837649406noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post-47238277062302909012018-09-18T07:53:00.002-07:002018-09-18T11:47:19.112-07:00Upcoming Tea Events in the Pacific Northwest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Z6a71huCl4/W6AclVh2JzI/AAAAAAAAM-o/Z2KssYndNWIYWNiC4Zm_kXq4KZAWj-XyQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-09-17_14-27-22.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="603" height="316" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Z6a71huCl4/W6AclVh2JzI/AAAAAAAAM-o/Z2KssYndNWIYWNiC4Zm_kXq4KZAWj-XyQCLcBGAs/s320/2018-09-17_14-27-22.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">Bowl-style Brewing</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">Join my colleague and me for this free tasting/class at the NW Tea Fest!</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">A few upcoming events in the Pacific Northwest. Let me know if you'll be there!</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #444444;">Sept 29 - 30, 2018</span></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.nwteafestival.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Northwest Tea Festival</span></a></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #444444;">Seattle Center</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d5DTpbpZ_MU/W6EPrxW_mKI/AAAAAAAAM-8/xwJs_wIOQYIyVHR-20y9q3Wky7EQjSXVQCLcBGAs/s1600/stephteabritish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="502" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d5DTpbpZ_MU/W6EPrxW_mKI/AAAAAAAAM-8/xwJs_wIOQYIyVHR-20y9q3Wky7EQjSXVQCLcBGAs/s400/stephteabritish.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
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<i>As part of the Global Tea Tour Series, I'll be teaching a class on the <br />Art & Etiquette of the British Afternoon Tea at the Jasmine Pearl.</i></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Sunday Oct 28, 2018</b></span></div>
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<b><a href="http://thejasminepearl.com/Global_Tea_Tour_England/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Global Tea Tour - England</span></a></b></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><b>1:00 - 3:00 pm</b></span></div>
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Let me know if you'll have the opportunity to be at either of these events. I'd love to see you! Also, I'm on Instagram @stephwtea. Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753205572837649406noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post-86196487703050036442018-07-31T19:20:00.001-07:002018-07-31T19:46:50.859-07:00Tea Fest PDX 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ngK3eIL-Yjs/W2EVFPd5J4I/AAAAAAAAM90/pOpLqHGzV_obBF-UdBs_Hai2l6lMugPHgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="552" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ngK3eIL-Yjs/W2EVFPd5J4I/AAAAAAAAM90/pOpLqHGzV_obBF-UdBs_Hai2l6lMugPHgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_8089.jpg" width="345" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">The highly anticipated Year 2 for </span><a href="https://www.teafestpdx.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Tea Fest PDX</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> was a success! The organizing team worked hard to bring not only the best from last year, but also improvements and new surprises. An extra building allowed more space so that everyone could stretch out. Add to that mild summer weather, and amazing teas, and you've got a great day!</span></div>
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oc6j8Cbe9A8/W2EVNXg_8TI/AAAAAAAAM-E/aEHdQvsuRHgEykivzye14i9bbrtLmRTFgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC04173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #444444; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oc6j8Cbe9A8/W2EVNXg_8TI/AAAAAAAAM-E/aEHdQvsuRHgEykivzye14i9bbrtLmRTFgCLcBGAs/s400/DSC04173.jpg" width="266" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #444444;">Photo by </span><a href="https://www.concretepapaya.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Mitra Farrokhzad Dunn</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">I taught the class, </span><i style="color: #444444;">The Art and Etiquette of the British Afternoon Tea</i><span style="color: #444444;">, and had the chance to partner with </span><a href="http://heartsdelights.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Marilyn</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> who coordinated the British Tea Tent. Michelle, shown below, helped in the tent for much of the day and made many people jealous for her dress (which she sewed herself).</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oeti4E-IXIs/W2EVNe6FwXI/AAAAAAAAM-A/ZUlr5XkX38Ec3QD9BXwkkNgMkXSXl463gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oeti4E-IXIs/W2EVNe6FwXI/AAAAAAAAM-A/ZUlr5XkX38Ec3QD9BXwkkNgMkXSXl463gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_8126.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Many vendors offered tastings and sold tea and tea ware. This photo was from </span><a href="http://mintoislandtea.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Minto Island Tea</span></a><span style="color: #444444;">, a company growing and processing tea in Oregon. The photo highlights the steps of production and shows the leaf along the way.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n1rEhZzGZxk/W2EVK7ghgUI/AAAAAAAAM94/NeZTutCUs4Ip4JM8ncf4Nk_3X7TMWScngCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n1rEhZzGZxk/W2EVK7ghgUI/AAAAAAAAM94/NeZTutCUs4Ip4JM8ncf4Nk_3X7TMWScngCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_8166.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Minto Island also had baby tea plants for sale.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vvXTYHFMzDw/W2EVMG4UR7I/AAAAAAAAM98/ceNT0YM61Xk2volMFtOjkezOkLuU3lWOQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vvXTYHFMzDw/W2EVMG4UR7I/AAAAAAAAM98/ceNT0YM61Xk2volMFtOjkezOkLuU3lWOQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_8170.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">I had the chance to attend three fabulous tastings, including this one with </span><a href="https://tealet.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Tealet</span></a><span style="color: #444444;">, sampling gyokuro tea. </span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W2lWKfr31LQ/W2EVOLDXdVI/AAAAAAAAM-I/Yx_jYd9P41Y9D5ioQfRH632s_LO-2ZMeACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="618" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W2lWKfr31LQ/W2EVOLDXdVI/AAAAAAAAM-I/Yx_jYd9P41Y9D5ioQfRH632s_LO-2ZMeACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_8193.jpg" width="309" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Pulling off an event of this size and scope takes a team of many. The dedicated volunteers work through the great ideas, the difference of opinions, the surprises and even when cups don't clear customs! </span><span style="color: purple;"><b>Thank you to this team from the bottom of my teacup!</b></span><br />
<br />Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753205572837649406noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post-17225078513220320632018-07-04T18:02:00.003-07:002018-07-04T18:02:44.160-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w3vF22nQWlA/Wz1th3MuZoI/AAAAAAAAM9o/py0obwlerGcXALkurxQwuS2Vmk9LCYAdACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w3vF22nQWlA/Wz1th3MuZoI/AAAAAAAAM9o/py0obwlerGcXALkurxQwuS2Vmk9LCYAdACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3333.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">I prefer fireworks in subtle, quiet ways, like a cup of tea and a moment of tranquility.</span></div>
<br />Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753205572837649406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post-14200325448385677512018-04-15T11:29:00.001-07:002018-04-16T08:41:43.787-07:00Tracing the Early Route of Tea into Europe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GzKr7KCkRRo/WtLMzHZ9ReI/AAAAAAAAM8I/IzAyASVfAdw-d70BnxUkH5PPiDLqtBDLQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GzKr7KCkRRo/WtLMzHZ9ReI/AAAAAAAAM8I/IzAyASVfAdw-d70BnxUkH5PPiDLqtBDLQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_2866.JPG" width="480" /></a><br /><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Azulejos (blue tiles) in the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora</span>, where <span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Catharina de Bragança</span> is entombed</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">I've been wanting to write this blog post for two months. I'm not prone to writer's block, but I didn't know where to begin. Well, here it is: For a tea lover, I've recently had the most wonderful opportunity to travel from Macau* to Portugal (OK, Spain was in the middle, but we won't hold a grudge). </span><b style="color: #444444;">Tea Friends - As you may know, Macau to Portugal is a primary historical route of how tea made its way into Europe.</b><span style="color: #444444;"> This just makes me totally tea geek out!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Where to start? Egg tarts. If you've ever enjoyed dim sum, you were most likely tempted by these delightful treats. They remind me of my grandmother's custard pie. The first one below I enjoyed in Macau and the second in Portugal. The sweet came to Macau along with the Portuguese traders, and tea went the other way. </span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o19xgpkNtd8/WtLPv9dzLuI/AAAAAAAAM8o/KQ1KqShYdVkbyqo2gJ3MUkAVfAaC_BEbwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o19xgpkNtd8/WtLPv9dzLuI/AAAAAAAAM8o/KQ1KqShYdVkbyqo2gJ3MUkAVfAaC_BEbwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2084.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hyAKaHbOsfM/WtLM608RIRI/AAAAAAAAM8A/k7GB4yUUOwUPrmy9DPJfXFD7wIbWpdkAwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hyAKaHbOsfM/WtLM608RIRI/AAAAAAAAM8A/k7GB4yUUOwUPrmy9DPJfXFD7wIbWpdkAwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2979.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">The first Portuguese ships made their way to China in 1516, but it wasn't until over 40 years later that missionary Gaspar da Cruz wrote the first Portuguese account of tea. Macau was leased to the Portuguese as a trading post in 1557 (though it had been in use prior), and 330 years later was negotiated as a Portuguese colony. This gave Portugal huge advantages over its trading rival, the Dutch, who didn't build a stronghold until 1624, on the Isle of Formosa (Taiwan). Let me say that any time one culture thinks it knows best (colonization) there are many ugly outcomes. I don't want to romanticize this historical epoch. Rather, I'm attempting to explain why tea was consumed in Portugal. The Portuguese were among the earliest European traders with China. Good ideas (tea) move quickly across cultures. Read more in this interesting </span><a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-great-tea-race-of-1866-8209465/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Smithsonian</span></a> <span style="color: #444444;">article. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">You've likely heard about Catherine de Braganza, the Portuguese princess who married England's Charles II in 1662. Tea drinking was yet an oddity, a rarity, among the British. The now-Queen was a dedicated tea drinker and brought tea in her dowry, along with a port in Bombay. As does the Queen, so go the people. (Read more in this </span><a href="http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20170823-the-true-story-behind-englands-tea-obsession" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">BBC article</span></a><span style="color: #444444;">). </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qS14dw4bxwQ/WtLMzGbErPI/AAAAAAAAM8U/DSZPENE_fisxr0Xgsfhj2S19p_f5bUvwQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qS14dw4bxwQ/WtLMzGbErPI/AAAAAAAAM8U/DSZPENE_fisxr0Xgsfhj2S19p_f5bUvwQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_2874.JPG" width="480" /></a><br /><i>Portrait of </i><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Catharina de Bragança, </span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">São Vicente de Fora</span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"> monastery<br />It's my favorite portrait of her, and the photo doesn't do it justice.</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">This union, of course, was a political one. Catherine had suitors starting when she was eight years old. Her role in life was to be a negotiated bride to another country. England won her hand and her wealth. In return, Portugal received military help in protecting its borders from Spain. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">When I visited Windsor Castle several years ago, I learned that Charles II built a southern-facing turret for Catherine. </span><span style="color: #444444;">A nice gesture, especially since s</span><span style="color: #444444;">he was not a particularly beloved Queen. Her customs were different (she was Catholic and Charles had to make special dispensation for this). Her clothing was different. She preferred sunnier climes. Charles had many mistresses, and he and Catherine were unable to produce an heir. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">It's worth noting that when Catherine moved to England, she would have drank her tea from a handleless cup, probably one that came from China along with her tea. Cups with handles made their entrance in the early 1700's. Catherine died in 1705, so it's possible she would have seen the transition. She returned to Portugal in 1692, over a decade after Charles' death.</span><br />
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<i>Azulejo tiles depicting Catherine's father, King John IV</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #444444;">Catherine is laid to rest at the Monastery of Sao Vicente de Fora. You will find her tomb in the pantheon for the Braganza family. I find it interesting that her name, etched in gold, gives preference to her British title, as Queen of England. Should you find yourself in Lisbon, this is a must-see. It's in the old part of the city. I spent three hours at the monastery, viewing the courtyard, the museum, the azulejos (amazing!!!), the pantheon, climbing to the rooftop and sitting in the courtyard drinking tea (bring your own) and toasting Catherine. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oYdJUInEBwY/WtLfTHtA-MI/AAAAAAAAM88/wlnT6pz4rhADLsMgArNPqaebgD0Jy1HRwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oYdJUInEBwY/WtLfTHtA-MI/AAAAAAAAM88/wlnT6pz4rhADLsMgArNPqaebgD0Jy1HRwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2876.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Tomb of Catharina de Bragança, </span></i><i style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Monastery of São Vicente de Fora</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h6BNm7-QQW4/WtLM2XbOtRI/AAAAAAAAM8U/yI1yMh5pJRIMj-H8Xa0OT6pIOh23vTm0wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h6BNm7-QQW4/WtLM2XbOtRI/AAAAAAAAM8U/yI1yMh5pJRIMj-H8Xa0OT6pIOh23vTm0wCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_2892.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>View from the rooftop of the monastery</i></div>
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You can also <a href="http://teainengland.com/2012/09/catherine-of-braganza-englands-portuguese-tea-princess-rests-in-peace-in-lisbon/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">read more</span></a> about visiting this site from Denise. And <b>big thanks</b> to her; it's because of her notes that I was inspired to find the monastery! </div>
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One more connection that showed itself while I was traveling. The photos below are of a Chinese garden (within the <a href="http://www.bgci.org/garden.php?id=149" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Botanical Garden</span></a> in Bel<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">é</span>m, region of Lisbon -- which is also where you can find the most famous egg tarts). In the second photo, we've been transported back to Macau. :-)</div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">*Macau is the modern Portuguese spelling. Macao is the English spelling. </span>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753205572837649406noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post-67281496759058908862018-03-08T08:31:00.000-08:002018-03-08T08:43:57.950-08:00Happy International Women's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IzF9xRyO8PE/WqFkuRu5ueI/AAAAAAAAM64/IIAJzanOSsQHZp_NYbiK5wrpqLK_IxF6gCLcBGAs/s1600/HandLeaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="506" height="566" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IzF9xRyO8PE/WqFkuRu5ueI/AAAAAAAAM64/IIAJzanOSsQHZp_NYbiK5wrpqLK_IxF6gCLcBGAs/s640/HandLeaf.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From my 2011 post...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;">So I will begin with what is most vivid in my mind, and that is the lives of the people who work the tea fields. The photo above is among my favorites. Notice the dirt under her fingernail, the pretty silver band she wears, the lines in her hand, the vibrancy of the green leaf. It's all there - the hard work, the beauty in it, the struggle, the love, the tea that sustains this community. It was a privilege to be taken to these fields and see, for a brief moment, how these people connect with me. </span><strong style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;">They pick the teas that I drink. That I will never, ever forget."</strong></span></div>
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<br />Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753205572837649406noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post-91245860612721577292018-02-27T18:04:00.001-08:002018-02-27T18:10:27.458-08:00Macau Tea Culture House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhcqDNhF5G8/WpYGBzECAbI/AAAAAAAAM58/XjN3_jPbVdAs8fEDYfnUkUYv-rYZBYdCQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhcqDNhF5G8/WpYGBzECAbI/AAAAAAAAM58/XjN3_jPbVdAs8fEDYfnUkUYv-rYZBYdCQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2133.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">In the Lou Lim Ieoc Garden<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12px;">, Macau</span></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;">After recently </span><a href="https://stephcupoftea.blogspot.com/2018/02/yum-cha-in-hong-kong-lock-cha-tea-house.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">visiting Hong Kong</span></a><span style="color: #444444;">, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Macau. I seek out tea experiences wherever I go, and was delighted to learn of the </span></span><a href="http://www4.icm.gov.mo/teamuseum/engmain.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Macau Tea Culture House</span></a><span style="color: #444444;">. This museum opened in 2005 and is a project of the Cultural Affairs Bureau. Macau was the earliest port from which tea was traded to Europe. Super cool for we tea geeks! Below are some of the things one will see here. If you manage to be in Macau, most definitely visit! The adjoining </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Lim_Ieoc_Garden" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Lou Lim Ieoc Garden</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> is also a must-see. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a3rC0eUYvEA/WpYGd0Ap8UI/AAAAAAAAM6A/g4cH_jM3ImwcQPjQ-EoEzsi1hqVyxvO1ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a3rC0eUYvEA/WpYGd0Ap8UI/AAAAAAAAM6A/g4cH_jM3ImwcQPjQ-EoEzsi1hqVyxvO1ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2132.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<i>The building is in Portuguese style, showing the connection between Macau and Portugal</i></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-22oku1X3UGc/WpYG1JElhZI/AAAAAAAAM6E/KFw99vc9bNU7kCHHWL5Wa7iPGfLfUQg8QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1565" data-original-width="1600" height="312" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-22oku1X3UGc/WpYG1JElhZI/AAAAAAAAM6E/KFw99vc9bNU7kCHHWL5Wa7iPGfLfUQg8QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2247.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<i>Inside, one finds the smell of roasting tea, and a collection of tea utensils - tracing the development from handleless cups</i></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EYXZTvANb2c/WpYG17VMJOI/AAAAAAAAM6I/mx64JnlCKMAmWNdI3eNQLozLLO01SZBAACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EYXZTvANb2c/WpYG17VMJOI/AAAAAAAAM6I/mx64JnlCKMAmWNdI3eNQLozLLO01SZBAACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2248.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<i>To handles</i></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8AnD_nwF3Tw/WpYJbABojII/AAAAAAAAM6o/kquAUQwuXRkISIM8wgwPbdwmRpx41TJ9QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8AnD_nwF3Tw/WpYJbABojII/AAAAAAAAM6o/kquAUQwuXRkISIM8wgwPbdwmRpx41TJ9QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2250.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><i>A replica of a table at the famous Kun Nam tea house, in operation from 1953 - 1996</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zTK5tOznNng/WpYIgSZZHmI/AAAAAAAAM6Y/awhmVQgH7I4ngg3l7dBIIdRsxCdjYT7cwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1083" data-original-width="1600" height="432" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zTK5tOznNng/WpYIgSZZHmI/AAAAAAAAM6Y/awhmVQgH7I4ngg3l7dBIIdRsxCdjYT7cwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2255.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<i>Upstairs, a replica of a tea house</i></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AfHGtqh8ph0/WpYI3oT82sI/AAAAAAAAM6c/E1EJ0BhgTSgfMNgtdtAJssB0X0XZM01BgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AfHGtqh8ph0/WpYI3oT82sI/AAAAAAAAM6c/E1EJ0BhgTSgfMNgtdtAJssB0X0XZM01BgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_2259.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<i>And a very fine collection of clay teapots</i></div>
Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753205572837649406noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post-23270702818732285672018-02-10T16:28:00.000-08:002018-02-10T16:28:54.932-08:00Yum Cha in Hong Kong, Lock Cha Tea House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--eUlRDPDx6o/Wn-JdHDtQWI/AAAAAAAAM4c/DEdizUwRPtM3fcZvaWkR5w0bosHTi06JQCEwYBhgL/s1600/LockCha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="416" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--eUlRDPDx6o/Wn-JdHDtQWI/AAAAAAAAM4c/DEdizUwRPtM3fcZvaWkR5w0bosHTi06JQCEwYBhgL/s400/LockCha.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
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Yum Cha is a practice, associated with Hong Kong and Cantonese-speaking parts of China, of having tea and dim sum (a variety of small dishes). It's like brunch. I was recently in Hong Kong and had a chance to visit the Lock Cha tea house to enjoy this custom.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vL-jzcznBlA/Wn-JdC4GnWI/AAAAAAAAM4g/BREaBVHcL2kL_u9mh3PNigeSP5a2a0TmQCLcBGAs/s1600/LockCha5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vL-jzcznBlA/Wn-JdC4GnWI/AAAAAAAAM4g/BREaBVHcL2kL_u9mh3PNigeSP5a2a0TmQCLcBGAs/s640/LockCha5.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6NeQ6vS5Axc/Wn-Jf0zmgRI/AAAAAAAAM4o/Q5uCX07hrmg_Tc2T9RtFN9FcvSQNs2sOwCLcBGAs/s1600/LockCha2b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6NeQ6vS5Axc/Wn-Jf0zmgRI/AAAAAAAAM4o/Q5uCX07hrmg_Tc2T9RtFN9FcvSQNs2sOwCLcBGAs/s400/LockCha2b.jpg" width="365" /></a></div>
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<i>See the tea kettle to the side? It's cleverly built into the table. </i></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T2SkPbbNkZQ/Wn-MToKNgBI/AAAAAAAAM5A/X2u3po3osd0gE4iR6L8Odt4bPdGi1357gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T2SkPbbNkZQ/Wn-MToKNgBI/AAAAAAAAM5A/X2u3po3osd0gE4iR6L8Odt4bPdGi1357gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2007.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<i>We enjoyed a yellow tea (top) and a Phoenix oolong (bottom). <br />The oolong was called "greenish" tea in English. </i></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m15fbO9BcSw/Wn-NBEapxlI/AAAAAAAAM5Y/T4eF2M6kJB4mm5k04thkAT_CWyvBLgoGACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m15fbO9BcSw/Wn-NBEapxlI/AAAAAAAAM5Y/T4eF2M6kJB4mm5k04thkAT_CWyvBLgoGACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D87yA0MNoYQ/Wn-NWgyR1QI/AAAAAAAAM5g/Xp8ktnKaS6U0qEOSUE_ZPACzL8LDMEusACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="550" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D87yA0MNoYQ/Wn-NWgyR1QI/AAAAAAAAM5g/Xp8ktnKaS6U0qEOSUE_ZPACzL8LDMEusACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2013.jpg" width="343" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RWZ0CHtXFp8/Wn-NdOnVcjI/AAAAAAAAM5k/pSbTqc2XfbA489DoeHRzsFzmpowC2OeUwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RWZ0CHtXFp8/Wn-NdOnVcjI/AAAAAAAAM5k/pSbTqc2XfbA489DoeHRzsFzmpowC2OeUwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2012.JPG" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Veggie dumplings</i></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P4YAgFRNY88/Wn-Jf4jtluI/AAAAAAAAM4k/Eq8NBem69X0TYHfDREU-bzUP_6niBrQFACLcBGAs/s1600/LockCha3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P4YAgFRNY88/Wn-Jf4jtluI/AAAAAAAAM4k/Eq8NBem69X0TYHfDREU-bzUP_6niBrQFACLcBGAs/s400/LockCha3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<i>Cakes of pu-erh and other tea</i></div>
<br />Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753205572837649406noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12436268.post-79105788275634393392018-01-26T16:10:00.002-08:002018-01-26T16:11:43.966-08:00Girl Scouts and Tea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 17px;">I am lucky to the be the aunt of a very special Girl Scout, and also to have been able to share my love of tea with Girl Scouts in Washington. I received my cookies today and sat down with a cup of tea to enjoy them. Lifting my cup to all Girl Scouts, past - present - future!</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit;">Girl Scout Law</span></h4>
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<i style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit;">I will do my best to be</i> honest and fair,<br />
friendly and helpful,<br />
considerate and caring,<br />
courageous and strong, and<br />
responsible for what I say and do,<br />
<i style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit;">and to </i><br />
respect myself and others,<br />
respect authority,<br />
use resources wisely,<br />
make the world a better place, and<br />
be a sister to every Girl Scout. </div>
<br />Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05753205572837649406noreply@blogger.com3