Gaiwan Style Tea

 Did you think I forgot my occasional posts on making tea?

The cup that the tea is sitting in is a gaiwan.

Pronounce: Gai (guy) Wan (like wand only without the d) 

It is another form of Asian style of making tea.

It is fascinating that each way of making tea can make for a bit

different flavor.

 Pour the water into the gaiwan and cover with the lid.

You can shift the tea around in the cup with the lid,

then use the lid to keep the leaves in the gaiwan

when you pour into the cups or a pouring pitcher.

 In the gaiwan I had Jin Jun Mei from Harney & Sons.

A nice tea to try.

I probably don't use my gaiwan as often as I should or could,

but often when I taste tea with friends this is the way the tea is made.

The wood tray under the gaiwan has slots to catch any spills

in the tray below.

Often we rinse the tea leaves first, pour that off into the tray,

then make the tea.

When making tea this way you might use as much leaf as you

do for a large English style teapot, but you steep a shorter time

and resteep the leaves throughout the day.

To learn more you can check out the link here:

https://www.meimeitea.com/blogs/latest-news/essential-teaware-explained-your-guide-to-gaiwan-pt-i-background

Believe it or not there are still more ways to make tea to be shared on another day.

Have a great weekend, dear friends!

Sip tea and enjoy quiet moments.

Oh, Christmas Tree, Oh, Christmas Tree

Each year our realtor has a free Christmas tree day

where for a few hours we can come and cut down a tree.

This year we decided it was getting too much for us to cut a tree;

so we weren't going to attend.

Then we were told there were pre-cut trees we could choose;

so off we went.

We love going to the farm and seeing what is happening.

This year was no different.

It was great fun to have a bowl of hot chili and some hot cocoa too

plus see familiar faces.

That's our realtor, Kama, in the red cowgirl hat.

We love getting to see her and one day will use her services again.

Then it was time to find the right tree.

You might not know this about me, but I am rather picking on the type of tree I choose.

There just wasn't a tree I liked.

So we picked a little taller than needed tree and then cut it to fit.

I sort of wish now I got down on my hands and knees and tried one more time to cut.

Well this is the tree all decorated.

It is a bit strange in shape for sure;

but it is what it is and we will live with it.

I guess this is the year of a tree only a parent could love.

This in a way is good for my very organized soul,

one that teaches me I need to loosen up a bit.

So I sing "Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree"

loud and clear.

More pictures of my home to come next week,

but just couldn't resist showing you "the tree".

Let's Talk

 Usually by this time of year I have a word picked for next year.

Do you pick a word each year?

Does it impact your life and guide you through the year?

Some years there are words that really impact me and some not so much.

I had two words this year: Courage and Kindness.

Kindness was a carry over from the year before,

but just wasn't ready to give it up.

With our world the way it is I just felt like I needed Courage.

And I guess just making it through some of the mud I did survive with Courage.

Many words have come my way for 2019, but not one yet has really

jumped out and grabbed me.

So far I have thought of Adventure, Awake, Aware, Alert,

all A words. And then Clarity also was added to the list just yesterday.

 I am still open to my word and what direction to go, but I know

when the time comes, the word will say this is the direction you must go.

I can see the direction I am headed.

Right now I am taking an online class called 21 days to Write for Change.

Maybe the word will come in my writing,

maybe in meditation,

or maybe it will just pop up randomly.

I am open to moving forward,

it is the way I find my way,

a resolution.

Open!

"There's an old saying, to sing like nobody can hear you,

dance like nobody can see you and

love like you've never been hurt."

~Dick Van Dyke

This quote was in the Sunday Parade in the newspaper
and I loved reading it.
It sings to my heart.
Originally it came from someone else. 
In a way through this post I am seeing my
way more clearly and I know by the end of the year
I will know which direction to go.
And I will sing, dance and love.

Join me in choosing a word for 2019.
What direction do you want to go and grow?

Monday's Tea Quote

Tea should be taken in solitude.

~C.S. Lewis

This picture is from last year,

but it is in my bedroom again this year. 

Is it crazy busy for you these days?

I realized this morning I am late to posting.

It seems like there is so much on my "to-do"list.

But, I don't want to miss connecting with you.

So a cup of tea, quieting down,

and now you, dear friends.

Have a good week and do have some

quiet times with a cup of tea.

Christmas - Leavenworth, WA. and HOPE

When traveling do you find Christmas at another time of the year.

The first part of June while traveling through Leavenworth, Washington

I found this Christmas shop.

I saved these pictures to share with you now.

I loved the big snowflakes on this tree.

And who can resist Santa peaking out at me.

The natural beauty was everywhere.

Then looking up he took off, through the sky he flew with gifts for me and you.

Christmas in June was fun, but Christmas at the end of November is pure delight.

Like Strands of Shining Tinsel

Like strands of shining tinsel,

Hope will ever weave

Through the sorrow, who remembers

Candles Christmas Eve.

His tongue will not grow bitter

Who learns in youth the glory

Of the old sweet Christmas carols

And the manger story.

Nor love and faith quite vanish

For one with memories

Of dreams come true on laden,

Star-tipped Christmas trees.

So fill the house with fragrance

Of cedar boughs, with laughter-

There are gifts a child heart

Will keep forever after.

~Kitchen Sonnets by Ethel Romig Fuller

This coming Sunday is the first day of advent.

I will be the host at church and usually when I host

I share something to think on.

This week I am thinking of hope

and how sometimes in the darkness

one small candle is lite with a glimmer of hope

that grows as we light each others candles.

May we be bless this Christmas season with HOPE.

Have a terrific weekend, dear friends.  

Let the Season Begin

 Each year I anticipate the kick off of the holiday season 

with a visit to the Christmas antique show at Monticello Antique Mall.

It never disappoints me.

I go with camera in hand just to share with you,

but also to make my heart happy.

 Really you can't help but be happy with twinkly lights and sparkles everywhere.

 I don't go to shop, but just to fill my heart with sparkles

and they never disappoint.

 It is so fun to see the vendors creativity.

 For you creative type maybe you will see an idea here.

I rather liked the old clock transformed.

 How many things can you cram into a cup and still look joyful?

 Even a silver teapot has been transformed into a festive scene.

 Just a basket or bowl of old ornaments makes me smile.

 Then to top the visit and the holiday spirit there are beautiful red stemware.

Isn't it festive with the plaid table cloth?

So let's lift our cup or pretty glass and toast the beginning of celebrations

both bolsterous or quiet, full of good cheer or a sip of tea,

and surround ourselves with dear ones to hug and hold close.

Let the Season Begin!

Monday's Tea Quote

As we begin the holiday season this quote rather struck me.

If  you have one teapot 

And can brew your tea in it

That will do quite well.

How much does he lack himself

Who must have a lot of things?

~Sen Rikyu

I know I have many more than one teapot or teacup.

The aesthetics of a beautiful teapot or teacup

enchants me. 

But in the scheme of things,

really it is only one we need to enjoy

in peace and quiet a good cup of tea.

Then add one more teacup to share 

with you.

Happy Holiday season,

take time for a good cup of quietness and tea.