TEA

TEA, three little letters carry so much meaning for me...

Tranquil
Energizing
Artistic

It is tranquil because it takes time to prepare. This gives me time to shake off all that seems to be pressing in on my mind.

• a teapot warmed with hot water
• water to purify before put into my kettle
• loose leaf tea measured and placed in my Swiss Gold tea strainer
• kettle water watched on the stove for the correct temperature (boiling for black tea, just before a boil for green tea)
• empty hot water from teapot, place tea cozy on, and tea strainer into pot
• kettle water poured into strainer and timer set for proper steeping (3-5 minutes for black tea, 2-3 minutes for green)
• timer goes off, strainer removed, tea cozy tied snuggly, and tea is served.
  

It is energizing because the warm liquid in the morning soothes my soul and prepares the table to be in God's presence. This helps me find where my true energy lies, not in self but in the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. And of course, the caffeine gets me going too!

It is artistic in how many different blends there can be.


At Tea and Traditions I've found a flavored green tea, Madame Butterfly, a flavored green tea, keeps me company in the afternoons. The bits of sunflower petals and peaches in this tea is to be enjoyed first with a whiff as you open the bag. This tea must be steeped at the right temperature and for the right time or it will be bitter. I enjoy it as it is or with a little Orange Blossom Honey.



I also enjoy the art that holds my tea. My beloved teapots and tea cozies have been given to me by my moms. We live a great distance apart, but as I have my tea I'm reminded of the close relationships we share.

You may not have all the items I have to make a pot of tea but Mari Helms at Tea and Traditions has a solution to that. Check out her website for details and happy steeping!