Breakfast Picnics

 

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. 

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. 

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. 

100 Years of (some) Women's Suffrage, Tea and More to Do

 

My copy of the tea set used by Alva Vanderbilt Belmont,
commissioned to raise funds for the suffrage movement.  More info

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 hard truth is that it took another 45 years for women of color to be guaranteed voting rights with the passage of the Voting Rights Act. 

Tea was a fueling beverage for the women a century-plus ago, laboring for suffrage. 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. 1975 -- that's in my lifetime. A moment of silence to acknowledge these transgressions. And a commitment to work for social justice.  

Following the model set by women in the UK, US women met over cups of tea 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 Seneca Falls Convention just 10 days later. 

Let us now name some of the Black Suffragists who worked hard for voting rights: Sojourner Truth, Daisy Elizabeth Adams Lampkin, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper,  Mary Ann Shadd Cary, Mary Church Terrell, Nannie Helen Burroughs, Ida B. Wells.  Latinx suffragists include: María Amparo Ruiz de Burton and Adelina Otero-Warren.  Thanking Indigenous/Native American suffragist Zitkala-Sa and the Iriquois model of inclusion. Gratitude to Chinese-American Mabel Ping-Hua Lee and Japanese supporter Komako Kimura, 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. 

The ingenuity of the suffragists impresses, still today. They used tea parties to educate others, enlist support and raise money. 

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. 

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. 

Image left: courtesy the California Secretary of State

Image below: courtesy liveauctioneers.com 

By the way, I've just learned that in the US, the preferred term was suffragist (not suffragette).  Read more. 

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.

Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglas statue in Rochester, NY
"Let's Have Tea" by Pepsy Kettavong
Image from commons.wikimedia.org

Whisking Matcha for Enjoyment at Home

Hello and happy Spring!  I'm going to be writing a series on the "Japanese Tea Ceremony" experience, known as Chanoyu or Chadō (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. 

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!

It's important to understand that there are many different schools of Chadō, 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 Urasenke.  My local school is Issoan. Even though the instructions below are not for a tea ceremony, the style I've learned will show through.

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.

What you WILL need: 

• A bowl with a wide enough bottom for the whisk to move freely. Something like a rice or cereal bowl.
• A measuring cup
• A mesh strainer
• Teaspoon
• Bamboo whisk 
• Matcha 

I recommend two investments for home enjoyment of matcha: A bamboo whisk (chasen) and good matcha. A reputable source available in the US is Ippodo. Please be careful where you buy your matcha and do not 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 this site 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. 

To make your bowl of matcha:

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.

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.

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.

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.

                                                                            5. Keep whisking until you see a thick foam forming.
                                                                            Keep going a wee bit longer.  Then move the whisk
                                                                            across the top lightly to pop any big bubbles.

                                                                            6. Set the whisk down and enjoy the tea! 
                                                                            Matcha is commonly enjoyed with a small sweet.

Notice how the foam gets thicker over time.  Keep going!

If your matcha froth isn't thick, try using a little more matcha, a little less water, or whisking a little longer.

Darker Hours

Blustery and damp on my walk to work this morning. Makes me want to cozy up in front of the kettle, watch the steam rise, and make tea.  Tomorrow I'll have the time to do that leisurely, like the photo above.  Today in the office, it's the photo below.  Both have a calming effect on my psyche.

The quote on the calendar says, "Every path, every street in the world is your walking meditation path."  ~Thich Nhat Hanh

How do you navigate the transition into the darker hours?

Tea Flowers

My tea plant (Cami, get it?  Short for camellia sinensis) has been covered in tea flowers!  I took these photos several days ago; they're now starting to fade. I think tea flowers are beautiful and I like to bring them inside (see bottom photo).  Tea flowers are discouraged in commercial production because when the plant is producing flowers its energy is towards making fruit and seeds rather than producing more leaf. (Most tea plants are propagated by slips (cuttings) rather than seeds). On my balcony, I love to let my tea plant go crazy with blossoms.  Enjoy the photos.

It's a Small Tea World and Steven Smith

Steven Smith, at a cheese and tea pairing 

in August, 2013

"The man breathed in deeply - of rosebuds and mint, of sunny meadows and salty cliffs, of streams in no hurry and the sound of bagpipes."~Ethel Pochocki, Wildflower Tea, 1993

This quote reminds me of Steven Smith, who got his business start with "tea" by selling herbal blends along the West Coast.  He was a major player in the birth of both Stash and Tazo, and most recently Steven Smith, Teamaker.  Smith died this week and obituaries have been run far and wide, including this one in the New York Times and another from Oregon Live.

I am grateful for the small, connected and caring tea community around the world. 

Tea Launched a Revolution

I published this back in 2009, but thought it was time to share it again!

In honor of Women's History Month, I'm going to tell a story that began over the tea table.  It's July, 1848. Elizabeth Cady Stanton joined four friends for tea in upstate NY. Perhaps over several cups, Stanton shared her frustrations with the limitations placed on women. Women had not yet felt the freedoms of a new Republic, even though many women had fought for it just like men, only 70 years earlier in America's break from England. Stanton had high hopes that the new nation would engage its women more actively. Her friends shared that opinion, and they began to make plans to bring it to fruition.

Picture left: Stanton (seated) with Susan B. Anthony

Stanton went on to draft a "Declaration of Sentiments," using the Declaration of Independence as the framework. She named many grievances including: women were not allowed to vote, married women were considered legally dead by the law and had no property rights, women were not accepted into universities, and many more.

Stanton's work and the work of other women culminated in a women's conference (called the Seneca Falls Convention), July 19 and 20, 1848. Read an original report from the event. Lucretia Mott was a key player in the convention. Both Mott and Stanton (along with Susan B. Anthony) died before women gained the right to vote. I hope those three souls were able to appreciate that victory in 1920.

The story of tea and women's rights isn't finished yet. The tea room became a socially-deemed "appropriate" place for women to meet, and many tea rooms are famous for giving wings to women's suffrage efforts. The book Tea at the Blue Lantern Inn is one of my favorites. It explains how the convergence of the automobile, women's suffrage and the temperance movement led to the cottage industry of tea rooms along the Eastern coast of the US. Women of independent means!

There is so much more to this story - I hope you take some time to discover it. And leave me a comment with your favorite moments of women's history - past, present, or hopes for the future!

Making Space

Taking time to find flowers in the early spring helps me keep my sense of joy

Busyness, an epidemic.  I'm sure we've all felt its weight.  I've been very busy at work, leading up to a giant trade show next week.  I've been consciously paying attention to my center, trying to maintain a calm state.  I think I've been better able to do so this year as compared to last.

To do so, I have to make space for regular moments of peace.  For me, this often involves tea. Other self-care practices that work for me include exercise, nature walks and journaling.  I also need to ensure I eat well and get plenty of sleep.  I've been working into a meditation practice (5 minutes is where I'm starting).

Small breaks make a big difference for me!

Something else I find helpful is re-framing.  Yes, I'm very busy but I also feel very fortunate to enjoy the work I'm doing. The busyness has difficult moments, but my experience is far more good than bad.  I am grateful. I try to focus on the good parts rather than allowing the relatively small uncomfortable parts to claim more than their fair share of attention.

I'm not perfect and have plenty of mental demons to battle.  I can fall into a spiraling story of panic, "Ahhhh!  I'm so busy, how will I get it all done?!"  

How do you make space for sanity in the midst of too much busyness?

Taxonomical Tea Box Poster

I received this very informative and thorough tea poster recently, a gift from a colleague.  It's perfect for a tea geek like me!  The poster is produced by Pop Chart Lab.  Whomever pulled together the content has a depth of tea knowledge.  I was pleased to find the "Dark Tea" category present.  In that category, it includes Pu-Erh and other more obscure teas.  I was a little surprised to see Rooibos on the list (and not called out as "herbal"), but I think that's a testament to the popularity of this tisane.

Here's the description from the website, "Placed into 7 taxonomical boxes - with compartments for Black, Green, Dark, Oolong, White, Rooibos and Yellow - and further classified by country of origin, this spot-on selection features 104 tea types in all, from Darjeeling to Early Grey to the full complement of famous Chinese leaves."  

It's a useful study aid and I'm grateful to have a limited print (#08/500).  The poster even came with unrolling instructions! It's hanging in my cube at work and I've even used it for a few tea educational discussions. 

Book: Ancient Art of Tea

"Without water, there can be no discussion of tea."

Xu Ci Xu

I've been slowly working my way through this book, sent to me for review by Tuttle Publishing.  I move through this book slowly because there's much to learn and absorb.  

The book is great for someone (like me) who loves to geek out on tea. The author, Warren Peltier, takes ancient texts and translates them, while also making some pointed commentary on his own when it's useful.  Peltier says in the preface, "Some readers may be familiar with the "God of Tea", Lu Yu, and his Classic of Tea, but what did other tea masters of the same or later periods have to write about tea brewing and preparation?  This book is a record of what they said."

Segmented into major sections that discuss the Art of Tea, Water for Tea, Preparing Fire for Tea, Taste of Tea and Tea Etiquette, it's a book best red in sips, not gulps.  A book returned to as a reference and a prompt for reflection. I can't say it's easy reading, because we're traveling back in time, but I can say for me it's pretty fascinating!  

If you're into Chinese tea and history, this book is for you.

Tea drinking has fixed times each day: pre-dawn, breakfast time, forenoon,
meal time, evening, and at sunset.

 Wen Long

Camellia Sinensis with Effusive Blossoms

As you know, "tea" comes from the camellia sinensis plant.  And here's what that plant looks like, in case you have not had the pleasure to see one.  This plant came to me as a gift from Marmalady about three years ago and, thanks to the green thumb of the DH, has been thriving.  This year it bloomed effusively.

"Cami", as I call her, has been living for the past year on our north balcony.  The plant seems to be thriving within a large pot (I think this is pot #3), well-drained soil and the level of light in that space. It's not a full day of sun.  We had Cami on the south balcony for a bit and it was too much direct sun. The DH also provides an occasional fertilization and has done some shaping of the plant, as well. 

If you have a tea plant that is doing well, what tips can you share for its healthy growth?

Meet Buddy, My Tea Pet

Buddy

Meet Buddy.  He's my tea pet.  He reigns over my tea tray when I'm brewing Gong Fu style.  From time to time, I will anoint him with hot tea, and he loves that.  Buddy is an Ox (my Chinese astrological sign).  He enjoys listening to the laughter of those sipping tea.  If we're sad, he'll quietly bear witness.  He's a faithful friend and doesn't mind what type of tea we drink (or don't drink).  His sweet, happy little face never fails to make me smile.

I found Buddy at New Century Teas in Seattle.  My blogging friend Brett inspired this post.  Check out his blog for a picture of several different types of tea pets.

Thank You, Welcome and Tea 101

I've been blogging for over seven and a half years, and some of you have been reading all that time.  I want to say THANK YOU for sticking with me!  This blog and my life - around tea and in general - has grown in ways I never imagined when I began. 

I've had a flurry of new readers lately, and to you I offer a warm WELCOME!  Please feel free to leave your comments, these brighten my day.  No tea experience necessary.  ;-)

I love getting questions from readers and I've been inspired to start a new series, Tea 101.  I'll post on occasion about this topic to share the fundamentals of tea as I understand them.  I hope you'll enjoy!

My blog readers vary greatly in tea preferences, experience and interests.  This keeps things interesting for me.  I hope to offer you an occasional something of interest, to encourage you to try a new tea or brewing technique, to find a tidbit here that inspires, to have some fun and to learn about tea along with me.  There is always more to learn about tea!

To begin, here are a few older posts you may enjoy exploring:

• If you come to this blog with an interest in Afternoon Tea, click through these posts. 
• Go here to read about tea rooms/shops I've visited.
• Interested in the Japanese Tea Ceremony?  Read more.
• Want to learn more about tea in China or India?  Follow along on my totally amazing tea trip.

Cheers!

Happy x2 and Giveaway!

Happy New Year and Happy National Hot Tea Month!

To celebrate, I'm hosting a giveaway to include:  three tea samples, a homemade treat and a surprise!

What new teas do you plan to try in 2013?

To enter, leave a comment on this post anytime between now and  Jan. 10th, answering any one of these questions:

* What new teas do you plan to try this year?

* What new tea adventures do you plan?

* What do you hope to learn about tea in 2013?

* How will you share tea with others?

How will you share tea with others this year?

Please submit your comment by end of day on Thursday, January 10th.  I'll announce the winner on Friday the 11th.  And Happy New year!

Bringing Your Own Tea into a Restaurant

I had lunch recently with a friend and she brought along her own tea for us to share, along with beautiful handmade cups and a thermos of hot water.  She graciously explained to the hostess that we intended to make our own tea, and offered to pay the restaurant for a tea service (they kindly declined charging us).  It's a smart approach for the restaurant to allow us to brew our own tea. I will go back. ;-)

Sharing lunch and this special tea (direct from Wuyi, China - a Wuyi yan cha) was wonderful! 

Have you ever taken your own tea into a restaurant?  I think I'll make a habit of it.

Starbucks to Open Tea Shop in Seattle

Hmm...I haven't quite sorted out my opinion on this yet.  Starbucks (parent company of Tazo) is planning to open a Tazo tea store in Seattle this fall.  The store will sell loose tea and will showcase a "blend-your-own" concept, where customers can experiment with various teas concoctions of their own making. 

I'm intrigued by the blending station opportunities.  Yet I notice a feeling of unease with mega-retailers.  I dislike the impact to local businesses and local economies.  With MBA hat on, I know that the goal for these large companies is profit and growth, not civics.  I'm certain Starbucks wishes to be a good corporate citizen, and they would claim the two (profit/growth and civics) can live hand-in-hand. 

If I have the chance, I will check out the Tazo tea shop when it's open.  I'm sure it will be well-done and visually appealing.  Questions I would pose for the Tazo tea managers to consider:

• How will you invest locally - both in US communities, and in the tea-growing regions where you procure?
• Who are your tea buyers?  Do they have tea-industry credibility?
• How will you educate your customers about tea (and the herbal tisanes) that you carry?
• Is there a way your tea shop can help lead people (especially young consumers) away from unhealthy sugary drinks?

What are your thoughts about this, blog readers?

PS - I'm taking a little "Meatless Monday" blogging break.  Will be doing some traveling and so forth that makes it hard to post every Monday.  I'll be posting at a more organic (ha ha) pace on this topic.

My New Favorite Boutiques

Out and about on a recent sunny afternoon, my friend and I made our way to Flora.  This has become my new favorite gift boutique.  In the light-filled store, the owners and staff artfully display soaps, soft furnishings, purses, jewelry, stationery and other miscellaneous treasures.  Many of these goodies are made by local artists.  (I came home with an amazing vase - to be shown soon.)

One of the best things about this shop is that you are offered a cup of tea while you browse.  The teas are for sale, many being original blends.  Of course, we found our way to the tea shelves!

My other new favorite shop is Radish Underground.  This clothing boutique also features local designers/sewers.  Both innovative and classic mingle together (often in the same piece).  This bubble-top is an example.  It gets the fullness at the bottom from being doubled under - it's one long piece of fabric! 

I'm looking forward to returning to both Flora and Radish Underground!

Tea Under the Scope and other Science Adventures

Looking at tea under the microscope

Spent a few days recently at the Indianapolis Children's Museum.  (I highly recommend it!)  One of the activities was a science lab.  How cool to be able to look at TEA under a microscope!  I should have taken a snapshot of coffee - they do look different.

Below, we are performing a science experiment with a peacock feather. 

Peacock feather experiment

Love this photo below!  :-)  The niece and I are excavating a Terracotta Warrior.  What's so cool about this is that I saw these in person last fall on the grand tea tour!  Fun times.

Excavating Terracotta Warriors



Three New "Tea" Shirts

"Blending with a Purpose"

From the Enchanted Tea and Gift Shop

"English Breakfast Tea"
Gift from a friend - thank you!

"Pot Head"

From the Jasmine Pearl Tea Merchants

Don't worry - that's camellia sinensis depicted!

Some Local (and Regional) Tea News

I'm excited to share this info on local and regional tea happenings:

1. Japanese Tea and Culture classes (in Portland) starting soon!  (See below)
2. Stay on top of Portland tea events at this calendar.
3. Saturday, Jan 28th - A Fresh Start - Creating a Daily Tea Ritual for Wellness.  Jasmine Pearl Tea Merchants.
4. The San Francisco International Tea Festival is Feb 25th.  I can't go this year, but maybe next!  Tickets go on sale next week.

Margie, of the Sweet Persimmon blog, is starting two new Japanese Tea classes in the next few weeks.

Introduction to Japanese Culture through the Tea Ceremony
Harmony, purity, respect and tranquility. These are the four principles of tea ceremony distilled from Japanese culture. In this ten week class, students will be introduced to Chado, the way of tea. The arts of Japan will be examined through the ritual preparation and drinking of matcha, Japanese ceremonial tea. Students will participate in at least six tea ceremonies, an incense ceremony, and kimono dressing. Japanese architecture, gardening, flower arranging and calligraphy will also be covered. Classes will take place in a Japanese tea room located 4 blocks south of PCC Rock Creek campus: 17761 NW Marylhurst Ct., Portland, OR 97229


Fee: $250, materials will be available for purchase at class.
Meets Saturdays for 10 weeks, starting January 21st, 1:30-3:00 pm at Issoan Tea Room.


Beginning Chanoyu
Learn the procedures for Ryakubon, tray style, the most simple of Japanese Tea Ceremonies. This procedure can be done almost anywhere with a minimum of utensils. Learn the correct handling of utensils and further your knowledge of Japanese culture. Learn how to make different kinds of tea sweets, proper etiquette for both host and guests at a tea ceremony. Introduction to Japanese Culture through the Tea Ceremony recommended but not required. Classes will take place at Ryokusuido Japanese Antiques Shop: 3826 NE Glisan St., Portland, OR 97232

Fee: $250, materials available for purchase at class
Meets Wednesdays for 10 weeks, starting February 15th, 7:00-8:30

Call Margie Yap, 503.645.7058 to register. Limited availability.  Email: sweetpersimmon@msn.com

*Image from Microsoft Images