Tea Time

In the throes of recovery tea has not tasted that good to me.
I decided I needed to take a different direction than going to my favorite blacks;
so tried something lighter.
Sipping from my cup this morning is a Jasmine Oolong from Bingley's Teas.
Oh, the softness of the jasmine along with a lovely oolong just made it alright and delicious.
The softness of this tea just warmed my heart and made me happy.
This is definitely the tea for me right now and so thankful to have it in my cupboard.
Visit my friend at Bingley's Teas for teas inspired by Jane Austin.

http://www.bingleysteas.com/

Hope in the Garden

You probably are saying, why is she showing us dirt.
It's not a pretty picture.

Venturing into the garden yesterday look what I found!

On Facebook I try to share a picture from my garden each day,

so I was looking for what was new this week.

There they are!

The beginning sprouts of crocus!

Can you believe it?

The middle of January and there they are.

I am more than excited.
Beauty and color will soon return to the garden.
Are you spotting signs of HOPE?

Grateful Jar

On the first on the year many were sharing a jar to put beautiful thoughts.

I decided this would be a great way to focus on the things I am Grateful for.

So here is my jar, fairly empty;

but I must say as I begin to feel better Gratefulness is going into this

jar and into my heart.

There is so much to be Grateful for this year

and #1 right now is the power of healing and coming back alive.

What are you Grateful for today?

Sunshine through the Window

I would love to share with you the spectacular teas I have tasted recently

and the adventures into the out of doors,

but for today what is touching my heart is the sunshine through the window,

the orchid that started blooming while I was in the hospital,

and Joey by my side savoring the sunshine.

It is the little things in life when noticed that bring a smile to our faces.

Oh and just finally feeling so much better.

Whew!  That was a rough week.

It felt good just to pick up the camera this morning.

Have a good day and sip tea and keep warm.

Room with a View

Last week when I was laying in my hospital bed I had the most beautiful view.

As the sun came up the nurses turned my bed so I could watch the sun rise

over Mt. Hood.  Isn't this amazing?

Thinking of my word "Grateful", I could only feel that word strongly

as I was Grateful for the special nurses that would take the time

to show me the beauty outside my window.

I actually called my husband and asked him to bring me my camera for this shot.

I think it is the little things in noticing what we notice that can make our heart "grateful"

and feel the JOY and delight of each day.

Nibble Lesson

Recently I noticed my little guy stuffing cookies in his mouth;

so a nibble lesson was in order over tea.

He did so well with the first half of the little sugar cookie,

but just couldn't resist stuffing the rest into his mouth.

He does love his tea and often asks to have tea

in his little teapot.  His tea consists sometimes of just water,

but often cooled tea quite diluted.

He knows tea party is a special time.

I let him pour and pour he did,

all over the table went the tea,

cups overflowing and smiles.

Oh what fun it is to share tea with little ones

and the perfect place to learn to nibble.

JOY, JOY! to tea parties with little ones.

Monday's Quotes and More

In the early morning hour today as I lay in bed my word Grateful

came to mind and the words to the following Johnny Appleseed song popped into my heart.

"Oh, the Lord's been good to me.
And so I thank the Lord
For giving me the things I need:
The sun, the rain and the apple seed;
Oh, the Lord's been good to me."

I am not sure of the author, but the words are repeated often at our dinner table.   
Already I am feeling the power of my new word
and excited for the journey.

I have missed you all here as I have been recuperating from surgery a week ago.
I can feel your presence with me and the encouragement to become strong again.  
Five straight hours of sleep was a real gift this night and I am so Grateful for it.
Now looking forward to resuming my ritual of drinking tea with you
and sharing in the Delights of the Heart.

 Couldn't help slipping in one more Christmas photo taken at
the Old Church in Portland at the traditional Christmas concert.

Happy Monday to you all, you have been missed!