For All of It

 I write about the power of trying, because I want to be okay with failing. I write about generosity because I battle selfishness. I write about joy because I know sorrow. I write about faith because I almost lost mine, and I know what it is to be broken and in need of redemption. I write about gratitude because I am thankful – for all of it.

~Kristin Armstrong

To Market in Kigali - A Place of Color, Texture and Treasures

  

During our time in Kigali (capital of Rwanda), we had the fun experience of visiting a local market. I didn't catch the name of it, but it's a place where locals shop (not just for tourists). As markets go, this was pretty tame. The folks were eager to sell to you, but they didn't hassle or touch. A "no thank you" and a smile allowed us passage through.

Many treasures to be found here, from handmade baskets, wood carvings, clothing and shoes, fruits and vegetables, and the highlight for me: fabrics! I could have spent hours looking at all the bold and beautiful patterns. You can even have an item custom-sewn on the spot (on a treadle machine, perfect for these conditions because it doesn't require electricity). I'm thinking of my grandmother and how she would have loved these fabrics and being with these women.

As much as I would have loved to bring home a suitcase full, I limited myself to these two choices.

Baskets and other beautiful woven crafts are other treasures to be found.

These photos are a little dark because the hallways are narrow (barely room for one to pass), with goods overflowing on each side. It would easy to spend hours - or days - wandering through.

Negotiations on price are the norm. Though I managed to bargain a little (not my strength), I'm certain I still paid tourist prices for things, and I was content to do so. 

One of my most precious souvenirs, packed in my  heart, is the colorful experience of meeting people who have very little and who are very happy. 

Frustration or Compassion? In Tea and Life

When I brew tea poorly, my first response is frustration with myself.  "I've wasted this pot of tea!  I've wasted my time!"  I scold myself.  I'm quick to frustration and slow on patience.  But I'm trying a new approach... I ask myself, "Frustration or Compassion?"  

When I approach my poor brewing (a metaphor for life) in a compassionate way, I have permission to go a little deeper and explore slowly.  I'll ask myself why I was in a hurry, not paying attention, or lacking skills.  Do I need to make space for the tea and put aside distractions (be in the moment?)  Do I need to prioritize and focus on the other tasks and return to tea when I have the proper time for it?  Do I need more practice?  Is this a new tea, a new pot/bowl/gaiwan, a new brewing technique, etc.?

 

With compassionate thinking, I give myself gentleness.  Surely, if I can learn to do this with myself in my tea brewing, I can expand it to the rest of my life.  And from there, it's an extension to the world.

A Meal of Thanksgiving

Thought I'd take a walk down memory lane with a meal of thanksgiving from a little over a year ago...

It was the last day of our China/India Tea Tour and we were visiting with Mr. Rajiv Lochan, of Lochan Tea, in Siliguri, India.  His family had prepared this delicious sendoff feast for us to enjoy in their home.  To have such a special home-cooked meal was deeply touching. 

I'll write more about the Lochan family tea business soon, but for now I want to focus on this meal.  My heart was full of thanks for the past several weeks of touring throughout China, Tibet and India.  I felt so honored to be invited into Mr. Lochan's home and to share this meal with his family.  It was especially touching to meet his children, his wife and his mother. 

The food was exceptional!  Our feast included two types of raita (cucumber/onion and pineapple), lentils, paneer cheese in a delicous sauce, peas and potatoes, beautiful rice, mint chutney and puri, a traditional fried puff bread.  We also enjoyed traditional Indian sweets - oh, my so good!  The orange cups above had a cookie center, covered with finely chopped and candied orange peel.  Wow!  And a milk sweet, which is milk that has been cooked down very slowly and becomes a wonderful texture.  

Rajiv Lochan in his office

As we were leaving, I placed my hands in the prayer-at-heart position and said "namaste" to Mr. Lochan's mother.  She offered the same parting wish to me and patted me on the arm.  It was like a blessing. This moment is with me still!

Today I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have taken this trip, the means to do so, and the  positive influence that tea has in my life.  I am thankful for the friends I made along the journey.

I give thanks to all my friends who share their kindness so generously.  I offer up thanks for my family that wants only the best for me.  And I am especially grateful for my wonderful DH (dear hubby).

Happy Thanksgiving!

Small Things (New Teapot and Pitcher)

Showing the small size of this teapot in my hands

I am very fortunate to have generous friends in my life!  Generous in sharing time, tea, love, support, creative passions, and even gifts.  The little teapot shown above and below is from a friend who thought it matched my taste.  I seem to be drawn to the delicate, small ones.  My friend noticed and gifted this lovely pot to me. (She prefers larger ones.)  THANK YOU! 

It's typical in Gongfu and Wu-Wo style brewing to use a teapot and a serving pot.  Of course then, I needed a serving vessel to coordinate with the teapot.  While a glass one would do, when my friend steered me to this one from local potter Richard Brandt, I knew it was meant to be a pair!  (See Marmalady's writeup on Richard.)

I've dedicated this pot to brewing Oriental Beauty (Bai Hao) and that family of oolong teas (e.g, Concubine).  I've used it several times over the last few weeks, and while it's small and delicate, it's a durable little workhorse, too! 

The serving pot has a lovely texture - smooth with just a bit of roughness for interest.  As I handle it, the pottery will absorb oils from my hands and become shinier.  An extra special bit is the memory I have of talking to Richard, the potter, about this piece at the NW Tea Fest.

There's just something about small things, things that can fit into your hand.  They're comforting to hold, to rub, to tuck away in secret places.  What small things do you treasure?

The Story of My Japanese Tea Bowl

 Thank you, Mom!

Margie, my guide in learning more about Japanese culture and the tea ceremony, encourages her students to choose tea equipment carefully.  No rushing to buy an unknown piece on eBay.  The right tools will come to us in time, and they need to have a story.  I love this idea.

Here's the story for my first pieces.  The chawan, or tea bowl, is from Japan.  It's special to me because I found it after having learned about what makes a good tea bowl.  What an eye-opening experience!  I had no idea of the thought and detail put into a tea bowl.  Mine is classic in its shape, has the proper foot depth and the correct ridge where the cloth rests as you clean the bowl.  It has a definite front and back, which helps a newbie like me.  And it's a good example of understated beauty. 

I've named this tea bowl iki wo suru, which means "to breathe" in Japanese. It's meaningful because breathe is my word for the year.  Each time I use this bowl, I will think of of my breath.

Tea bowls often come in specially made boxes, and the box belonging to this bowl is a large part of why I chose it.  The box is beautiful in its own right.  

The crispness of the black natsume (tea caddy), I'm learning, presents a contrast to the more rustic elements often found among the other tea equipment.  What I like about the natsume is the sound made when the lid is placed back on after having scooped out the tea.  It's a simple click that reminds me of something ephemeral from my childhood.

The chasen (whisk) is of central importance.  This humble tool generates the right froth in a bowl of matcha. I have many, many, many more cups to whip to become proficient. This whisk and I will become good companions.

I picked this tea bowl and other equipment on a sunny Spring afternoon, in the company of Margie and another good friend. The items are a gift from my mother for my birthday. I'm sure this is the beginning of many happy memories associated with their use.

The box for my chawan

 This tool (chasen kusenaoshi) holds the whisk and helps keep it in shape

Tea-themed Gifts

I thought I'd share a few of the tea-themed gifts I received over the holidays. 

Reversible necklace, made from a scrabble piece.  "Keep calm and drink tea."  That's a motto to live by!

Sunshiny pot holders (with matching tea towel not shown).  These make my kitchen glow!

Vintage labels teapot

 Jigsaw puzzle, which I began yesterday.  I'll show you the finished product (eventually!).

And this lovely tea scarf, which I am wearing to work today.

Thank you to my friends and family who are so thoughtful, generous and giving.  I am very grateful.

38 Brave Things I Did This Year

Bday cake by the DH
(Camellia Japonica blossom on top and apple blossoms in background)

38 Brave Things I Did This Year

1. Took a new job
2. Said goodbye
3. Moved far away
4. Sold the car
5. Had my hair cut short
6. And then shorter
7. Learned to use public transportation
8. Rode my bike to work
9. Rode my bike 50 miles in the rain
10. Ran 2 hours by myself
11. Went to the doctor
12. Tried new sewing patterns
13. Met new friends and stayed in touch with others
14. Learned a new dance
15. Began learning wuwo
16. Said no
17. Planned a trip to China
18. Reviewed my priorities
19. Did one thing
20. Did no thing
21. Read widely
22. Wrote down my heart break
23. Wrote down my joys
24. Looked at myself naked
25. Made yeast bread
26. Broke bread with strangers
27. Took a nap
28. Tried again
29. Went out without an umbrella
30. Asked for advice
31. Accepted that I could fail
32. Admitted I was afraid
33. Listened deeply
34. Told the truth
35. Asked myself what I really wanted
36. Dreamed without editing
37. Took myself seriously
38. Didn't take myself so seriously

Wise Women Wednesday - #4 and Giveaway

This week's question:
How do you remain true to your unique life's path?

It would be easy to ask a question about gratitude today, but I'm sure you're already thinking grateful thoughts.  So let's take a different approach...I want to know what strategies you employ to stay focused on being honestly YOU regardless of pressures from society.  I look forward to your responses!


~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Congratulations to last week's giveaway winner, Mary Jane! 

(Her name was randomly chosen from the commenters.)

This is my last Wise Women question for the month, but I've enjoyed this so much I'm sure I'll bring it around again.  For what it's worth, these questions are very real to me and I take your thoughts to heart. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Stephanie

Thank You Tea

"A friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

One of the hardest things about moving has been leaving some very close women friends in the Midwest.  And I'm so grateful that those friends remain close to me - let me praise email and Facebook!  I've come to learn that a network of supportive women friends is crucial.

And when I arrived in Portland, there was another group of women here who welcomed me into their company.  This has carried me through.  Without their companionship I would have been very lonely.  And so I recently had a "Thank You Tea" to offer my gratitude to four women that have made me feel part of a community .  And also thanks to my abiding friends - from coast to coast and in between, in the desert and in the mountains, in the plains and the cities.  Thank you!

Marilyn has written about the tea party in a lovely way, and I encourage you to visit her blog! 

For this special day, I used some of my favorite china dishes.  I served East Frisian tea and cranberry-walnut tea bread, along with fruit and cheese.  It was fun to host a tea party in our apartment.  The day was chilly and damp, perfect for a tea in front of my fireplace and to share the warmth of friendship.

Congrats and Our Poem

First, thank you to everyone who commented on my 5th Anniversary blog posting!  I was so inspired by our collection of 5 words that I have made a poem from them (see below). A fitting way to close National Poetry Month!  This collaborative poem is a real joy to me.

Now the winners...congrats to these two people selected at random!
Trombonegirl24 and SDQuilter

I've sent you both notes on how to connect with me - look for your prizes in the mail soon! 

And to our poem...

5 Words of Spring
by Steph's Cup of Tea blog readers

Flowers lifting their pretty heads
Fresh green flowery pink joy
Biking flower and house adventures!
Historic home and garden tours!
Renew! Refresh! Revive! Rejuvenate! Rejoice!

Afternoon tea in the garden
Heady scent of Orange Blossoms
Rain glistening on baby leaves
Pretty flowers butterfly warm weather
Good food on the grill!

Fragrance of fresh picked lilacs
Rejuvenation of Earth and Soul
Spring green tender Maple leaves
Hot chai with my Mom
My Garden Awakes! It's Spring!

New blooming flowers daily outside
Sipping tea to whispering wind
Sunshine warming my winter soul
Remembering my friends love me
I love my friends, too

Violets, pansies, dogwoods and lilacs!
Beautiful flowers and birds singing!
Sipping wine on the porch
Greenery peeking from cold soil
April showers bring may flowers

Glorious green and flowers delight
Wild flowers in the mountains!
Sipping First Flush Darjeeling Tea!
Sunshine, pussy willows, daffodils,forsythia

Cherry blossoms swirl, tumble, flutter

Fresh morning dew, new beginnings

Warm sunshine and bright flowers

Sunshine kissing the rose petals

Sunshine, green grass, flowering trees!

Tea time on the porch

New surprises each garden visit

My daughter's tinkly bubbly laugh

Replacing snow shovel with trowel

Nurturing nature and baby birds
Butterflies, wind chimes, books, tea


*Photo from Microsoft images

Not Alone

I just returned from a very quick one-night work trip to Austin, TX.  (More on that later - Austin was awesome!)  The meeting was mostly very good with 1/2 hour of strangeness.  I came home focused on that 1/2 hour and trying to figure out how to solve the problems brought to me.  I felt very alone and at a loss.  And then, I had the idea to call one of my peers.  And guess what?  She was able to offer a crack into my bleak outlook.  She had a solution in mind, one that I couldn't/didn't see, and I left the meeting with hope. 

I tend to be a "do it by myself" kind of gal.  But today I'm reminded that I am not alone.  I'm not expected to solve all the problems by myself.  None of us are. 

37 Things

37 Things I Invite Into My Life

1. Gratitude
2. Patience
3. Conscious living and loving
4. Kindness
5. Centeredness
6. Wisdom
7. Adventures with my DH (dear hubby)
8. Visits from family and friends
9. A job that I love and that pays me well
10. Bicycle rides
11. Finding the beauty in the grey
12. Truthful writing - my own and that of others
13. Complete health
14. Contentment
15. Stretching - body, mind and soul
16. Open time
17. Fun and ease
18. Laughter
19. Lightness
20. Playfulness
21. The gift of listening - to me, from me
22. Time to create
23. Loving conversations through differences
24. Walks along the beach
25. Flower gazing, amazing
26. Healthy, tasty meals from local sources
27. Inspiration
28. Serene moments at the Chinese garden
29. Fingers in the dirt
30. A new language
31. Great photos
32. Vivid memories
33. Breath/e
34. Pause
35. Action
36. The depth of old friends
37. The expansion of new friends

I invite these things on the wings of health and goodness. Many of these I am blessed to enjoy already, and I bring them into focus here because I don't take them for granted.

So it is.

A New Tea Apron

Check out my fabulous new tea apron, a gift from AZ Tea Lover! (That's me, rolling my eyes at the DH.)

Here's a closeup of the detail. Look at the gorgeous edging and braiding! Wow!

And a closeup of the fabric itself. So cheerful! This apron makes me very happy.

Happy Valentine's Day to you all! I like this day because I can tell you how special you are!

Baie Dankie

I learned to say "thank you" in Afrikaans this week. This came as part of my work project, where I'm preparing people all over the globe for a conference. Learning this has been one of the highlights of my week! I can now say thank you in five languages. Next up to learn: Japanese and Chinese.

Expressing gratitude is spiritual practice I am cultivating. I think it makes me a kinder, happier person.

Happy weekend!

Winners!

I feel like a fairy godmother today, because I'm pleased to announce that not only will I be sharing my original giveaway package, but the nice people at Teaflection.com are pitching in with prizes, too, and generously so! A half pound of tea from their website to a handful of lucky ducks. Thank you!

By the way, SO many of you asked about homemade marshmallows. I'll blog on that tomorrow!

And the winners are....

My prize winner:

• Brooke of Earthmonkey Mama!

Teaflection prizes:

• Steph at stephjacobsen (great name!)
• Nicole at Troyers
• Mara at kleio's belly
• AZ Tea Lover
• Angela at Tea with Friends (This is a thank-you. Angela just sent me extra catalogues that enable more envelopes!)

I'll be connecting with each of you privately for shipping info, etc.

Again, thank you to all and know that I'm grateful that you visited.

ISBN Delights

Christmas just came early for me! The gift is seeing my words in print, published in this book (page 22)! I can hold it in my hands, flip the pages, smell its new-book smell, and give my gratitude for all the words inside, all the women who wrote them.

I’m part of a women’s writing group in my hometown. Two visionary women in the group worked long and hard to create this anthology, a collection of pieces from the past 5 years. The stories are diverse: heart-breaking to funny; poetry to prose and in between; by professional writers and women writing for the first time; written from jail cells, states of euphoria, deepest depression, everyday life; from birth to girlhood to motherhood to death.

One of my stories is included. I’m so excited! Heck, we’ve got an ISBN# and we’re on Amazon!

Last night was the book release party. I was honored to read my story from the book at this event. (It's about my first bra.) My fullest gratitude to A and L for the hard work to make this happen, and always to B for being such a great teacher and facilitator.

Cheers! Stephanie

It's Here! Giveaway Day 2009

It's here! Sew, Mama, Sew's annual handmade giveaway day. It's a very, very fun event and I'm excited to be a part of it! Check out all the participants and leave comments at their blogs to be considered for a prize.

My contribution to this event includes the following fabulous prizes:

• Handmade envelopes/cards (like these)
• Homemade hot chocolate mix with homemade marshmallows
• Some very flavorful tea (coconut pouchong)
• A poem written just for the event

To enter, please leave a comment, and if you don't have a blogger account, leave me a way to get in touch (e-mail). Good luck! And thank you for your participation!

Winner announced on Monday, December 7th.

A Respite at Clifty Falls

I love this photo of me (taken by the DH). I love it because I know I'm happy and relaxed. We spent the early part of last week in Madison, IN. This photo is at Clifty Falls State Park. The few days away were a respite for me, a much needed break.

Here are a few more photos from Clifty Falls. It's a very nice state park. Be sure to eat at the Inn, with birds-eye views of Madison. If you plan to hike, go prepared for mud. There are many natural springs that bubble through the limestone, dribbling across your path.

Big Clifty Falls

Little Clifty Falls

Farewell Stella, and Thank You

Me, on Stella. Photo by the DH.

I pushed the electric start and Stella came to life. She purred quietly, a sleek feline next to the large and loud canine-like Harley in the next parking space. The Harley rider gave me a collegial nod as he stepped over his ride.

Stella and I pulled out of the motorcycle lot and scooted across the parking area. It was 5:15 pm and workers were pouring out of the office building. People stopped and smiled.

---

I sold Stella this week. I wrote a letter to her new owner, sharing her story and my story with her. I will miss her tangerine orangeness and her coolness. I will always be grateful for my bravery that came with her.