Tuesday, August 9, 2011

"TEACUP TUESDAY"

It's my first " Teacup Tuesday "
and the china  cupboards are all a bustle with gossip... One could almost imagine the cups and saucer clinking together as I make my selection.

 


 I've collect black cups and saucers decorated with roses, since childhood. Last month while cruising Ebay , I happened upon this lovely  teaset. At first I thought it was a match for a  German collection that I had, but upon  closer inspection, realized that it was the predecessor to what is now formally knows as  Royal Alberts, "  English Rose". I'm sure you might recognize the modern," English Rose" alternative  white/red china sets  with the circular  red rose motifs. 



This particular  English Bone China( above)  heralds a rare persona  proudly displaying a more  dramatic color contrast. It is very hard to find.   The  cup boasts a 3.5 octangular mouth  so it holds a full plus  cup of tea for traditional tea leaf readers and it is black with a thin gold trim. It looks beautiful on the table.


While  frantically bidding for the set, I was informed that  ladies from Australia and England were also  competeing for the  prize cups and saucers ... which of course made me sad, as I dearly wished to add to  a cup and saucer set  that I had inherited from my great Grandmother.  Yes it was the same pattern.... I couldn't believe it !!!!



I  immediately emailed the vendor, who incidently was called " Grannie and Me" ( Ha Ha)... I chuckled at the coincidence , but never thought for a moment that I would ever possess these beautiful dishes. I infact had tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat ... ( Boo Hoo ) Silly Me !!!! 

The tale was told that the vendors grandmother was selling off her favorite teaset  and she wanted it to go to someone who who would love and cherish it.  A little voice inside said " Pick Me, Pick Me  " !!!!

Unfortunately ebay stores sell to the highest bidder and I had a budget, so was up front with the lovely lady and disappointedly bid her adieu.


Well the moral of this story is that, "What's meant for you will never pass you by". The next day I received an email, stating that because I lived in the same province,  the Great- Grandmother thought it best, to hand deliver the set to the young lady who was completeing her grannies collection ... Hey  that young/ older girl was ME !!!!

A week later , family members from " Grannie and Me"  delivered the twenty- six  piece set . The china had been,  ever so neatly, wrapped and packed in a  laundry basket ... How sweet is that !!!



 I  now own this gorgeous set and proudly display it in my tea cabinet...  So here's a tea time wish and a kiss to grannies around the world . Thank You, "Grannie and Me" from Ebay... Teatime Fairytales just don't get any better than this.!!!

20 comments:

Terri said...

What a wonderful story! The set you have been blessed with is so lovely. The black is so dramatic, and the roses so gorgeous, what a stunning pattern. I know you are going to really appreciate and use this set.
Thank you so much for joining in Tea Cup Tuesday!
Hugs,
Terri

Zaa said...

Thanks Terri ....I'm so delighted to join into the Tea Cup Tuesday... now I know I'm not the only one buying and adoring cups and saucers... I just never seem to have enough ( ha ha)...HUGS

Martha's Favorites said...

Hi Zaa: You are the second lady today who is sharing black tea cup. I just think they are stunning. I am current bidding on one on Ebay. Love the story. You usually don't get that kind of service on Ebay these days. I am so happy you won the set. Thank you for joining Tea Cup Tuesday. You made it so much more special today. Blessings, Martha

Micupoftea said...

Great story. Lucky you. I have never seen a black teacup ...ever! Thanks for sharing and thank you for visiting my blog~

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Hello Zaa,
Well, I loved your story and I'm so happy for you that you got the teacups! The black and rose is really stunning.
I have a black, gold, and white teacup which my brother gifted me with when I got married. It's a beauty too. I just love it!
BTW, I have always envied those who are lucky enough to live in a Victorian home!
Thank you for joining me for tea and sharing your pretties with us. Enjoy the rest of the week. I'm a new follower.

Blessings,
Sandi

The Charm of Home said...

Such a cute story! Love these black cups.
Sherry

Zaa said...

AH Martha ..
You are my Favorite Lady ... Hugs to you for inspiring me .. So glad you are visiting .. XOXOX

Zaa said...

Oh ...Micupoftea.. YOu arre so WELCOME... and Please do come and visit again... HUGS

Zaa said...

Such an Honor to have you Sandi ...with my australian , daughter-in-law and son.. we experience the beauty and magic of the island..AMAZING... your pictures show this too. I'm so happy to share on 'Tea cup Tuesdays "...
Blessings

romance-of-roses said...

This is a lovely story and a beautiful set of tea cups. I admire them very much, you are so fortunate to have them. I am now following you.
Thank you for visiting. Blessings...Lu

parTea lady said...

The teacup you picked for your first Teacup Tuesday is gorgeous. How wonderful that you were able to add to your black teacup collection.

Zaa said...

Thanks for you kind visit Sherry ..I'm heading over to your blog now... Please do come again...HUGS

Zaa said...

Thank You Lu ... I will look forward to enjoying more teatime visits from you ...HUGS

Zaa said...

parTea lady .. Your visit is so very much appreciated... Hope to share some more Tea Cup Tuesday with you here and on your beautiful blog... HUGS

Effie's Sweet Home Designs said...

HI , ZAA ! WONDERFUL PICTURES OF YOUR TEACUPS ! I LIKE THIS DESIGN ! IT IS SO SPECIAL AND ROMANTIC ! KISSES FROM GREECE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Hi Zaa...
Love the color combination of the black with the pink roses inside. How absolutely beautiful it is. So romantic. I can see why you were so thrilled when you got them. Thank you for sharing sweetie.

This is the Miracle Weekend makeover. I am one of the hosting sites. For every comment left, Guideposts magazine will pay a dollar, to the next cancer makeover patient. Please stop by and read the story about 9 year old Charlie, and bless me with a comment. Out goal between the 4 or 5 blogs is 5,000. I know we can do it. I would appreciate it, if you pass the word around to as many friends as possible.

Thank you sweetie for a wonderful post. I love it. Have a glorious weekend. Country hugs from Phoenix, Sherry

Zaa said...

Thanks Effie .. Hugs and kisses from Canada to you too...

Zaa said...

Sherry..Thanks for the kind visit..It's so nice to hear from you again..Yes ..I'll pop over for your Miracle Makeover ....HUGS

Unknown said...

I love this cup!

Zaa said...

Me too Trisha .. So glad you stopped in for a cup of tea and a read...Hugs