Thanksgiving Table

Sharing a picture of our Thanksgiving table.

Enjoy!

Christmas Flowers

A Christmas Cactus is a fun plant to have for flowers during the holidays. There are two in this window, but this one has already started to bloom. I think it must really be a Thanksgiving Cactus. Once the other starts blooming it will bloom all through the winter. They bring joy and color into our home during the drab winter months.
Blooms on the Paper Whites. They are in full bloom now and so pretty.

Here is the vase of Paper Whites I showed you not long ago.
Flowers are a real joy during the holidays and winter months.

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I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day yesterday full of good food and special people.

Thanksgiving

A Thanksgiving postcard dated 1909.

Happy Thanksgiving

Enjoy the day with family and friends

giving thanks for all that fills our lives.

I give thanks for each of you that visits

me here whether you celebrate

Thanksgiving or not.

Giving Thanks

Each November we join family and friends the celebrate Thanksgiving. Do we really take the time to be thankful? A few years ago my daughter started a family tradition at the end of the meal of each person sharing something they were thankful for that year. It has become a new family tradition and those that join us at the table look forward to that time of thankfulness. Join me in sharing your thankfulness. What are you thankful for this year?

Picture taken from the Country Home magazine.

Water Bottle Comfort

My massage therapist always has a warm water bottle to put behind my neck or on my back after she massages an area. It is so soothing, like a cup of warm tea. My mother had a water bottle, but until I had one put on me after the massage I hadn't realized how soothing it was. Now in the winter when it is cold outside a warm water bottle is a real treat to take to bed with a good cup of tea and a good book. If you haven't tried one in a long time or ever, try it you will like it. A friend gave me the flannel dress for it that makes it even more cozy. A water bottle makes a special inexpensive gift too.

Turn of the Century

A tea party at the turn of the century. The more manly look is starting to make an appearance, as you can see on the right. The overhanging blouse is still also being worn. If you like old linens, the tablecloth has a beautiful trim on the edge. Do they look like they are enjoying themselves? I am not so sure. Picture was found at an antique show. I love searching out the vintage pictures with any sign of a tea party.
Now moving along, next week I will show some of my 1920's collection. They hang on this vintage circular store rack in my dining room.

"Passion"

A passion flower, taken in the garden at the Borghese Museum in Rome, Italy.

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This week I started reading Taking Flight by Kelly Rae Roberts. I arrived at page 18 and there were questions to be answered. I did Ok on the first three, but then the fourth question had me thinking and not sure what to write. The questions were: Who in my life has passion? What questions could I ask her/him about her/his story? I wrote these questions in my journal and pondered them. The only people I could think of were people like Martin Luther King and Amelia Earhart, not just every day people I know. I have wondered what identifies passion in a person around me. How do I or you identify this in someone you know? What makes them passionate when others don't seem to have a passion? Should we nurture more passion in our children? I am coming up with more questions than answers at this point, but any thoughts would be appreciated.

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PS: As I wrote this I am reminded of one person so close to me I almost missed it, my son. He has great passion for his art and writing. His passion is so strong, he refuses to work on anything but this and thus is living in my basement. Will his passion pay off, will he get the recognition with a job or a published work? It is definitely something I see each day. I can appreciate it when I see it in some one in history, but can I appreciate it when I see it so close to me? The struggle continues.

Tea Postcard

A postcard recently found at an antique show.

What a fun message, I am passing on to you today.

Tea at Sea

On the Carnival Splendor each day that we were at sea for the day, tea was served. The Mozart Trio played soft music in the background as we enjoyed cups of tea, small sandwiches, and sweets. This was enjoyed along with watching the sea flow by and meeting fun people. The sandwiches were cucumber, chicken salad, and smoked salmon. There were beautiful desserts to choose including French Macaroons, Cream puffs, Chocolate in a cup, and a Lemon Pastry with cookies, fruit, and lemon cream filling. Yummm!
Very pretty Lemon Pastry.
Their was a wide array of teabag teas to choose, which were all good. I took my own loose leaf tea to make the experience all the more pleasant. It is fun to carry a favorite tea or two along on any trip, it adds a special treat when traveling.

Tea at Sea is definitely a special treat!

Paper Whites

Each year as we approach the holidays my husband, the gardener, goes to the local nursery and buys Paper White bulbs with the idea that we will have them blooming for Christmas. Well he always gets so excited to do this that the blooms are here before the appointed holiday. But over the season we enjoy vases of Paper Whites in the house.

Paper Whites are in the Narcissus family of bulbs. Be aware the clusters of small white flowers are fragrant and some people don't like the fragrance. If you would like to grow Paper Whites for the holidays now is the time to do so. Visit your garden center and buy a few. There are 5 bulbs in the vase above. The bottom of the vase or pot should be weighted with small decorative rocks (we have also in the past used marbles or glass pebbles). Then place the bulbs as you see above with the root side down. Add water to touch the bottom of the bulb and make sure throughout the growing time that the roots have water. They can become very "leggy" and fall over if not given support. We like ours in tall, clear vases. I have, however, seen them planted in teacups, wine decanters, and shallow dishes. Recently we found out that if you add a small amount of alcohol (either rubbing or drinking) to the water it will stunt their growth and you can have shorter plants. I love them at this time of year. Paper Whites add a touch of nature indoors. They add to the festive spirit. When they bloom I will follow up with another picture.

1890-1900 late Victorian Era

The winner of the fused glass trivet celebrating my 100th post is Stephanie at www.stephcupoftea.blogspot.com. Congratulations Stephanie! It will be in the mail this week.

Thanks to all that left comments.

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The picture today is of my grandmother on the left and her friend during the late Victorian Era, about 1890-1900. The bustle had disappeared and the costume became less complicated. Women wore an “Hour class” shape that flared to the hem and had an overhanging blouse with leg-of-mutton sleeves. Materials were tucked, quilted, smocked, and laced with embroidery embellishments. Specialty clothing for women started to be developed for bicycling, golf, and tennis. My grandmother actually played on a women’s basketball team in college and they wore bloomers, long baggy pants, and blouses with leg-of-mutton sleeves.

More mannish styles began to appear, such as starched collars and cuffs. A touch of rouge and a dash of rice powder sufficed in cosmetics. Hairdressing was a fluffy effect in which tiny curls softened the neckline and framed the face. The hair was simply dressed, drawn up into a knot on the top of the head.

Fresh violets were very popular, worn in the evening and on coats, suits, dresses, and muffs. The vogue of violets lasted through the first decade of the twentieth century.

Information taken from: The Mode in Costume by R. Turner Wilcox

Resolutions?

I just loved this door knob spotted in Rome. What is behind this doors?

This week I have been struck by how quickly we are moving into the holidays. It will soon be New Year's. For many years I thought I needed to make resolutions to start the new year off on the right foot. Resolutions are so difficult to keep and it feels like your mother telling you what to do. About 7 or 8 years ago I gave up resolutions and began just paying attention. In paying attention I found a word to focus on for the year. One year the word was "Grace" and another year it was "Hope". This year I hadn't really noticed a word, but in looking back I found it to be "Change". Well what would my word be for 2009? The word almost jumped out at me this week. The word for me next year is "Create". I like just having one word to focus on, it is amazing what happens and where it shows itself. I can't wait to see where "Create" takes me in 2009. Join me in a word for 2009, what would your word be? What will be behind your door for 2009? Open wide and pay attention to your heart.

Don't forget to comment for the give away mentioned on Tuesday. The winner will be announced on Monday.

Tea in the Rain

A few weeks ago I invited my daughter and a friend to join me in the park for tea. We finally decided to meet November 12th. Well the day came and it was raining, but we decided to meet anyway. What a special 1 hour visit over tea. The wind was blowing and the rain was falling, but the time together was precious and warm.
As you see sharing tea doesn't need to always be a fancy ordeal, but a warm time of sharing. Make time to share with a friend or family member. I am looking forward to winter when we can have tea again in the snow. Celebrate each day!

Don't forget to leave comments for my 100th posting tomorrow. See the announcement on Tuesday.

Catalogs coming

Have you noticed all the catalogs coming in the mail now. One day I must have received ten catalogs. It is always fun to see what tea related products are in the catalogs. Here are a few I have seen this week.

The Stained Glass Teapot Light was in the Acorn catalog. Check out http://www.acornonline.com/.
This pretty teaset is $265 and is called "Nesting" Hot Beverage Set. It can be found at http://www.sourceperrier.com/
The glass blown ornament I found in the Country Living Magazine, Holiday Gift Guide. It can be found at http://www.celebrate365.com/

Are you tempted? Even if you are not tempted, it is fun to see what's out there celebrating tea.

Now don't forget to check out the give away mentioned in yesterdays blog.

It's always fun to win something, especially this time of year.

Celebrating

Friday, November 14th, will be my 100th post on Delights of the Heart. To celebrate I am having a give away of the fused glass trivet above. The trivet was made by a local artist, Debbie Weber, from Eugene, Oregon. Just leave a comment on my blog starting today through Friday and I will have a drawing on the weekend. If you don't have a blog, please leave your email address so I have a way of contacting you.

Vintage Children

The above picture was found in the March/April 1999 Country Home Magazine. On Monday's for a while I will be sharing vintage clothes, mostly children's. I especially love the 1920's clothing style and have been collecting for several years. I thought you might enjoy them along with me. There was a time I thought I might start a children's clothing company, reproducing the 1920's look. It was going to be called Pumpkin Little. I decided it was more than I could handle and I just wanted to enjoy. I hope you will enjoy along with me as I share each week.

I like the thought voiced above that Sunday was a time to be together.

Traveling Teacup

Each cup of tea represents an imaginary voyage.

~Catherine Douzel.

My teacup traveled with me through Europe. It was tucked into a little carry case and sitting in my backpack. At each stop along the way it made an appearance, receiving notice by those around. I could only imagine what it would have been like to take tea with the pope or an aristocrat in Pompeii. The pleasure was mine to imagine. Imagine with me having tea on a voyage. What kind of tea would you put in that cup? A simple cup, but with a story to tell.

Finally Rome

Saint Angelo Castle and bridge. We passed it many times in our excursions, but didn't go into it.
The Coliseum. Amazing to see something from history and pinch myself that I was actually walking in the steps of Romans and Christians. There was a cross inside to honor the Christians slain here.

The Forum and Palatine Hill taken from the Coliseum.

The arch where triumphant soldiers would march after battle, just outside of the Coliseum.

The Vatican.

St. Peters Square. My husband said it was our front room to Rome. We stayed in a B&B just across the street from the Vatican.

Inside the Basilica.

Our final day in Rome we visited the Borghese Museum and beautiful grounds, then walked to the Spanish Steps where we had tea at Babington's Tearooms.

This concludes my vacation in Europe. I hope you have enjoyed it. There will be other pictures to share from time to time, as I loved taking pictures of doors, door knobs, windows, flowers, food, and fun things I saw along the way.

Florence, Italy

The Gold Bridge where all the gold vendors have their shops.
Beautiful church covered in soft pink marble.

The star attraction in Florence is David.

A typical street in Florence with the fruit vendor.

Pinocchio showed up in many places. The little boy in the picture wants to become friends.

Spires from the market place.

Our tour began and ended at the market place. There were vendors from many European countries represented here. There also were statues everywhere you looked. A beautiful city worth spending time exploring.

Hope with a Vote!

As an American citizen, it is our right to vote. Please don't let it pass you by.
In Oregon we vote by mail. Our ballots were sent in a couple weeks ago. We were excited to be able to vote and give voice to our desires. We have HOPE for the future with our vote. We look forward to the Celebration of Hope.

Walking in Barcelona

Las Rambles, the main shopping avenue through Barcelona. For our visit to Barcelona we chose to not take a tour, but explore on foot. Did we ever walk, our feet were sore by the end of the day. Our only regret was missing the Gaudi architecture, which would be a must if we ever go back. For lunch along the avenue we stopped and enjoyed tapas.
My goal on Las Rambles Boulevard was to find Escriba chocolate shop. Escriba opened it's doors in 1906; so I figured it must be good to be in business so long. It was.

In our wanderings we came across churches. This church we passed a couple times from different directions in our search for the Picasso Museum. We did eventually find the museum, which we enjoyed. We also found many quaint streets, market places, and interesting looking shops.

One of the streets we wandered down.

We found at least two tea shops.

Great architecture. This building is decorated with umbrella motifs.

Christopher Columbus statue.

The Port of Barcelona building.

Each city we visited had it's own distinct architecture. I would love to explore Barcelona more. There was a whimsy in what they add to their buildings and shops. My appetite was just touched, but not satisfied. There might need to be another visit here.