" TEA WITH THE PRINCESS"

Out with the old and in with the New...While the excitement of Christmas is past, I sense a sparkle of magic still lingering in the air. Don't You ?

Yesterday I rushed into town to buy fabric on the 50% " Boxing Day " special ... Quess what !!! Everything was closed, so I humbly sat at an A&W takeout and drank a cup of tea from a paper cup ... It was like being Cinderella in the kitchen cleaning out the ashes ... suddenly the magic was disappearing ... Not being able to shop, made my heart drop. ( Ha Ha)

By the time I got home, I was ready for a real cup of tea in a real china cup ... Somehow fine china always makes teatime more enjoyable. Each fragrant cup of tea seems to burst with an imaginary voyage for me. ( hee Hee) ..It's that child that lives within !!!!

Since my sparkling persona had been ravished by closed shopping doors ... I decided that I needed an imaginary Princess fix ...You know ... It's the times you pretend that you are a Princess and sip tea from your most dazzling cup, while lifting your pinkie finger, my Darlings.

Try to remember Ladies .... It's the times when you climb out of the bathtub, don the tiara and play dress-up at teatime in grand style.

In my case, it was a pair of fuzzy slippers, a bath robe and a wet hair wrap, while drinking royal tea elexir from a glimmering cup ... Yes I was every inch a " Princess"..Tah Dah !!! Oh my goodness, how good it tastes and feels to be Royalty !!! Ah ..now I'm starting to feel better.

Could you ever imagine having a china set created just for you( sigh) ? Well...This pretty set is called Princess Elizabeth. Yes, I do believe that it was created for the Queen by Myott, Sons & Co.Ltd many years ago, when she was just a mere " Princess" awaiting her ascension to the throne.

The Myott Factory was originally an art deco earthenware factory, in Stokes-on Kent, established in 1898 by two brothers, Ashley and Sydney Myott. It seems that many china factories were located in northern England, thus, the English love for pottery, fine china and the illustrious teacups, which we all admire.

This particular pattern is intricately enhanced by a delicate gold filigree that meanders around the beautiful white china that Myott is famous for ... It's perfectly rimmed in the softest aqua/ blue and sweetly accented with a small floral gathering in the centre of the saucer and on the inner rim of the cup.

I do enjoy every gracious little sip from this cup, which I dare say, holds atleast, a wee bit more tea than most. Certainly it's a teacup made for a lavish teaparty !!!! I have four of these beautiful sets .. so ... Who would like to come to my Princess Teaparty?

While basking in the essence of teaology, I found this delightful poem , which pretty much summed up my feelings for the day. I hope you like it.

I had a little tea party

This afternoon at three

T'was very small-

Three quests in all-

Just I, myself and me

Myself ate all the sandwiches,

While I drank up the tea;

T'was also I who ate the pie,

And passed the cake to me."

(Written By: Jessica Nelson North)

Ladies , you must try to take on this role every once in a while ... being " Princess" for a day is jolly good therapy for your inner being.... and ... It's fun !!!

By the way, I'd like to introduce you to, Lady Linda and Mrs. Hugh Bonfoy(above), who just happened to drop in for our Teacup Tuesday celebrations . They're terribly concerned about Prince Phillips recent heart surgery... I sent well wishes for a speedy recovery !!!!

Thank you all for participating in my imaginary teatime journey ... Please do enjoy your tea and have a, " PRINCESS" of a day!!!

" MERRY CHRISTMAS "

IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME ... and ... Here I am wishing you and your loved ones a most wonderful holiday. SO gather round the piano and listen to a few traditional carols... "Oh Come all Ye Faithful" keeps ringing in my head ...Have you taken in any festive concerts lately? I attended the, " Messiah ", two weeks ago and can't wait for the Christmas services on the 24th and the night of the 25th.... so set your candles aglow to ignite your spirit.
This season has been very busy and I have missed several of the Teacup Tuesday celebrations with my teatime friends this year... so I pause here, to raise a warm cup of tea in your honour .

I found this burgandy Paragon set in the back of my tea cupboard . It reminded me of decorating with tinsel around the Christmas tree. Look at all those whimsical swirls of gold leaf curling around the saucer's edges ... Makes me want to dance ... "Round and round the tree I go with a -hey and a -hi and a ho- ho- ho". The design is really quite magical!!!
Paragon is always a good choice, if you enjoy something poetic yet elegant. Even the little posies could be winter roses I suppose .( Ha Ha)
Yes, t'is the season to be jolly and merry ... to fill your cup twice and to be thankful for our many blessings of Family, Friendship and Love. It is also a time to be humble and giving. ... a time to appreciate health. May I wish you and yours, the very best this for the Christmas season. May your hearts be filled with the eternal Spirit of JOY !!!
Thank You to each and everyone of you for gracing the " Grand Lady" with your kind and supportive visits. You are indeed always WELCOME with open arms.

"MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT "

"THE SNOW QUEEN"

Let it snow ...Let It snow ....Let it snow ... When I decided to move to snowy New Brunswick ... It was like a childs' glistening dream of a Snow Castle and a Snow Queen, who decreed, giant snowflakes... BEAUTIFUL !!!! Actually ... Yes, you can have it ALL in winter wonderland ....especially, if your heart and imagination are creatively, huge enough, to believe in the Wintry Magic !!!

I've always loved fairytales and folklore .... The " Snow Queen " from Hans Christian Andersons' Fairytale is one of my favorites , but it is also the tale of a formidable lady with a heart of ice... often I feel sorry sorry for this Queen.

Movies, storyteller and animators have personified her evil characteristics in classical form . One thought of the Snow Maiden or Snow Queen and theres an immediate chill ... BRRRRRRRRRRRRR.Since childhood, I enjoyed Folklore from around the world... and it is in these tales, I have found a flourishing kalidescope of emotional comfort, healthy saddness and pensive thoughts of respect for Wintry Beauty.

The Russians seem to have an affinity for Winter, the season that blankets many parts their country longer than most parts of Europe. It is here that the " Snow Queen" folktale originated and took on new form.

Snegurochka, the Snow Maiden is one of Russia's most a popular cultural characters. It is the traditional story of Ded Moroz's ( Santa Claus) granddaughter, who accompanies him while delivering gifts to good children... She has become a rather iconic figure , immortalized on Russian laquered boxes and on nesting dolls...

Sneg, means snow and Snegurochka lives in Veliky Ustyug with her grandfather. She is commonly depicted with long silver-blue robes and a furry cap. Just as Ded Moroz( Santa Claus) appears in various interpretations during the holiday season, the Snow Maiden also assumes many guises for the New Year celebrations. Thus, she dawns a dual personality according to film and theatre adaptations... good and bad .. ying and yang. That's what gives the story longevity!!!!

I collect " Snow Queen " and " Snow Maiden" memorabilia and often times enjoy creating seasonal decorations . Here you see afew Atc's that were created to hang on the Christmas tree. It's amazing what you can do with alittle glue, glitter and sparkly pipe cleaners.( Ha Ha)

The story of the "Snow Maiden is both beautiful and sad. If you're a lover of folktales, it is one that will touch your heart . The Russian Snegurochka is the daughter of Spring and Winter, who appears to a childless couple as a winter blessing. Unable or forbidden to love, Snegurochka remains indoors with her human parents until the urge of nature forces her to venture beyond. When she falls inlove with a human boy, she saddly melts.( Sniff sniff) ..I always cry when I read this story!!!!

The many variations of this wintry fairytale have delighted children for centuries. If your traveling to Russia during the winter,you're sure to meet or see Snegurochka in some form or another, while shopping.... or .... If you're sitting by the fireside curled up, in a cozy spot, maybe a frosty little fantasy is just what Old Man Winter has ordered for your reading enjoyment

The Snow Queen and Snow Maiden are both available in book and movie form .. Your choice.

In the meantime ..... BRIGHT BLESSINGS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY for a warm and happy Christmas.

"SUGARPLUM FAIRY TEA"

"SUGARPLUM", is always a good word to know, especially when the magic of Christmas is just around the corner. Recently I have been visiting and partaking in the fantasy of  fairies as they jump out of  boxes and join in a merry dance  preparing for the festive season.

It's a  whimsical day to share, what I consider to be my fairy cup... all decorated in  soft pinks, mauves and golds. Don't you agree that this set could be part of Queen Maubes teaparty!!! 

I adore this beautifully designed  Paragon cup and saucer...   with all the sweetmeats, sugar and colors of what might be described as a delicious sugarplum. Do any of you ladies make  Sugarplums for Christmas?  

Fairies were  definately the inspiration for Peter Tchaikovsky and his Nutcracker Suite.....and ... Who can forget that special scene, when the famous Sugar Plum Fairy and her attendants welcomed Clara at her court in the Kingdom of Sweets.

Beautiful costumes from Spain, Arabia and China were worn by many of the delightful dancers, who  affectionately, represented coffee, tea, chocolate and sugar candy.... mmmmmmm Good !!!!

I've been turning the cup around and around....like the ballet dancers...  Pas de Deux, in efforts to share and view all the delightful artistic aspects of this china.

Oh ..This is a side pretty!!! .... Don't you think that the variation of the blending and decorative  elements are  unusual ... Traditionally, cups and saucer have the same surrounding uniform pattern. Hmmmmm , I'll have to inspect some of my other cups and saucers.

Look at the  sweet little rivets rippling in and around the edges of the saucer ...  I keep running my fingers across it like some musical instrument. It makes my hand feel all tingly ....  Have you ever had a set that  gives you a " palm buzz "?  ( Ha ha) . Sounds like love doesn't it !!! ... or maybe it's just all that fairy dust floating around.

Sounds silly, but some china just makes you feel good . This one sets the tone of  the season for me. It's Magical.

The season is just beginning to come alive   with the  dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies. I'm inspired to prepare for the the festivities and dream like a child about the magic  and  excitement  of Christmas..... SO, I created these little fairies for my sugarplum tree which is being decorated at this very moment. ((Sparkle, Sparkle)

OH .... I forgot to mention that, the " Sugar Plum Fairies" may be seen throughout the year, winter , Spring , Summer and Fall especially,  if you tend to live life  looking through the eyes of your inner  child... or you just may have to put on those rose colored glasses. It's a  very worthwhile experience!!!

For all you lovers of  music and ballet, the Sugar Plum Fairies can be seen dancing and performing in most cities around the world at Christmas time.Please do  ENJOY your  fantasy and the magic in todays teacup.

( Twinkle Twinkle)

" TEATIME MEMORIES "

Green is the color of nature, fertility and life. It symbolizes self-respect and wellbeing. Since my daughter is visiting with my Grandson Bodhi, I thought  that  teatime in this fluted Windsor cup and saucer, just might give me the balance needed to keep up with a active little  two year old.

The intricately designed leaves on this  china  always remind me of learning, growth and harmony, thus, it becomes a peaceful vessel for a perfect teatime.  I must add, that I'm re-learning alot about running after a little toddler, in between my sips of tea.( ha ha)  

It's a whimsical cup that  possesses a lovely bell shape, that has been quite artistically trimmed with ruffled  gold gilded edges. 

The posies and vines of this saucer are hypnotic, as they interweave like  magical threads into  another time....Medieval perhaps!!!! What do you think ? I keep  seeing pretty Irish girls dancing !!! 

It seems that most of my china cups  originate in Longton, Stafforshire, England. This particular  set, was created by the Windsor- Co-operative Wholesale Society Ltd, dated  from the 1940's to the 1960's . There were simply hundreds of patterns produced in this area of Britian, which poured over into extended pottery family names such as Clarence Bone China and  Crown Windsor Pottery. 

One more sip of tea before  my Grandson wakes up ... My how time flies in the life of a Child... I remember when Bohdi was born.... He was such  a tiny little fellow!!!!( Ha ha)

HMMMM  .... I'm enjoying this cup of camomile  tea, recalling a quiet moment  that I captured of my daughter, Manda  and her baby when he was one year old. I love this picture!

Now, Bohdi is a two year old darling, who gives lots of " NO "  hugs and kisses .... everything is " NO "... Ha Ha   

Goodness, how this cup is overflowing with a Tea Cup Tuesday abundance  of love and joyful memories ...  that only a child can fill. Maybe someday, he will sit and have a cup of tea with his Grandma !!!

Ladies, may I extend my sincere wishes, that you will find the time to cherish each precious moment with your children and  grandchildren ... as they grow sooooo quickly. In the meantime, I'm off to chase the little fellow around the piano... with a hop, skip and a jump .... "Tra- la- la " Are you tired yet ?

Soon, the Grand Lady will be ready for another cup of tea and a  relaxing visit to your  Tea Cup Tuesday Blogs... I can hardly wait. ( Huff and Puff)  

" CATNIP TEA "

Look what I found under the wood pile " bottoms up " a fiesty little kitten ready to take on the world.

Actually, we had a digger working  behind the barn, when suddenly, the driver jumped out of the cabin and started throwing wood aside. I quess, he noticed that he had dug up a bed of kittens... some scattered and some unfortunately may have been scooped up ...  We, all  ran to the pile, when we heard  a few mews and saw a little tail and backside struggling to free herself ...  Yes ... there she was, little Miss Hissy Fit, digging her way to China ...( Hiss Hiss) T'was a frightful experience , I'm sure !!!

Since Miss Hissy was traveling to China ...  I thought this pretty bird themed cup might fit the bill for this week Teacup Tuesday ( Ha Ha) ...  I pondered the future of the kitten drinking tea from this twittering vessel as it did seem to be " the cat's meow" especially if filled with warm milk ....  It's whimsical  florals  and butterflies, just seemed to complete the  antics of the day ... especially the sweet  bluebirds fluttering  around within  the colorful garden menagerie. 

It's a good thing, that  at five weeks, Miss Kitty, was not old enough to notice the pretty birds on the teacup  .... We've had alot of trouble with wild cats and alas she was one of them. Living in the country, the cat population just keeps growing, thus, we are very mindful of our birds and their habitats... It is however, difficult to  ignore the dilemma of any tiny feline .

While eyeing the sweet motifs and fluted edges of the saucer, I had to sip another cup of Jasmine tea to ponder my specific plans and preferences for nature. ... Heavens, I think I even see a bee buzzing around this teaset... or maybe

 it's just  wishful thinking.

I researched the internet for  this sweet pattern  but it came up with a regretable  lack of information...  and  infact I did start stomping my feet and hissing like little Miss Scarey Cat ( ha ha)   hoping something might turn up ... IT WORKED !!!!

Tah Dah ... I discovered that the S&N insignia  is part of the old Salt and Nixon China manufacturers  from the Longton, North Staffordshire  part of England. The set was dated  to the  Art Deco era, somewhere between  1897 and  1907. This is such a small bit of knowledge.... however, I'm  totally amazed at  how much china history there is floating around in cyberspace ... so I am content in knowing that ....

My teatime  wisdom is growing with every Teacup Tuesday ....  Till next time I bid you a fond farewell, filled with a feisty, cup of catnip tea from Miss Hissy Fit and Me.

Incidently, I have found her a good home. MEOW >>MEOW!!!! Thank you for your kind visits Ladies... I'll be visiting you soon .

"YOU, ME and SILHOUETTE TEA "

Glorious Sunflowers greeted me HOME...  How lovely !!!!  I'm weary but so happy ... I MISSED YOU ALLThank you for your kind patience, while I was away !!!! Teatime is never quite the same as settled into a cosy corner with my Teacup Tuesday Friends.

Today I herald a cup and saucer that I gleaned in an old antique shop   in  British Columbia, Canada... She was  such a lonely little cup amongst several flowering sets. I was at once attracted to the silhouettes that surrounded the circular beauty. Of course, the  ladies and gentlemen, in period  costumes, in a garden certainly ,stole my heart. The yellow and black colors were also, a plus that just lead me merrily,  down the pathways of curiosity.

The first question that ran through my mind was ... " When was it made"? and  "How old is this cup" ? I'm certainly not an expert in China  but I do have a passion for teatime cups and saucers, so I checked on the bottom.

 Hmmmmm ..... Surprise, surprise.... What is this all about..?  I knew that Paragon was a fine china and    recorded # 705235 on the bottom of the cup . Heavens ...I felt like  a super sleuth or Miss Marple uncovering the " Bone China caper".  

I knew that the pieces were old because the lovely gilded  rim of the china was alittle worn or should I say sublimely lipmarked with ageless sips . Yes there was definately evidence that this cup and saucer  had been used by a grand tealover.. How exciting !!!!

Yes... Sometimes a rough estimate of age may be discovered by the mark on the base of the china....so ...  I searched through the internet  for Paragon heirloom china and  Tah Dah ... I found the answer.

In this case the  backstamp indicated that it was manufactured between 1921  an 1933. How lucky I was to find, such  a fine example of this particular  Paragon edition of " Silhouette" in powder blue.   Yes ...Oh yes... I could be the next Agatha Christie ( hee hee)

Well, my teacup case is closed . I'm wondering,  if you have  solved  any teacup capers lately?  The more the merrier when it comes to teatime delights.  How special is a cup and saucer sipped from  the art deco or early 1900's  era. !!!!  I can tell you that it is fabulous.  I'm savouring every delectable sip through my imagination  ... as the Grand Lady  with my little finger tipped up !!!

 ( Ha ha) 

Your kind visits  were so WELCOMED today... I really did miss you all, Ladies....
  ENJOY your day !!!!

   Incidently, the sunflower  pictures  were taken outside of  my yard in the neighbouring fields.  ... Aren't they glorious !!!!

"BLOGGER LUXURY AWARD"

HAPPINESS is being home with my blogger friends. I missed you all.   HAPPINESS is relaxing with a cup of Jasmine tea, writing with pen in hand. HAPPINESS is  receiving my first Blog Award, from  Mariette's Back to Basics... Thank You ... Thank you .What a lovely Homecoming gift !!!  

 I'm not sure who drew this lovely blogger  award but I do know that it originated from Laura's blog, in Canada.  You're invited to  help me celebrate  my first  AWARD ... by  stopping over at both,  Mariette's, (http://www.mariettesbacktobasics.com),  and Laura's, (http://www.mylittlesewingroom.com) blogs. .  You'll be amazed at the variety of interesting and  inspiring  

 topics.

In the meantime, I'd like to pass along the award to some of the ladies that I've been admiring: Sol, Holly, Kathryn, Terri , WandaLee, Sandi, Johanna and Sandra

(http://www.solsantiago.blogspot.com)

(http://www.hollylovesart.blogspot.com)

(http://www.thewritersreverie.blogspot.com)

(http://www.artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com)

(http://www.theplumedpen.blogspot.com)

(http://www.sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com)

(http://www.yardencollections.blogspot.com)

(http://www.silber-rosen.blogspot.com)

Enjoy your Blogger Luxury Award ladies...YOU DESERVE IT !!!!

"PICKLES AND TEA" ...Teatime Tuesday

I'm into the pickle juice... Oh me, oh my ... What a busy day I'm having!  September, is always a delightful mix of colors and plump fresh fruits and vegetables.  The kitchen itself smells to be pickled and my hands are stained a lovely beetroot red ...

I

It's time for a break .... On days like today I need some invigorating  yellow to get me through the canning  tasks of the season. I've always been partial to  yellow, which I believe is the most enchanting color in the color spectrum.

Certainly the charm of this "Ansley" teacup, is like drinking a cup full of sunlight ... especially for   someone, who might be a slight bit  "pickled"... or should I say tickled with the aromatic scents of vinegar and spices.

This is a regal  design that someone of royalty could have commissioned, but of course it's only one of a hundred or more , dazzling Ansley patterns. The  saucer is so delicately  rimmed in gold florets and perfectly completed with intricately  connected rose bowers. I alway marvel at those who create such  symmetrical beauty. 

Ansley China  was  produced in the late 1700's,  as a family business that started as one man's hobby. Today it one of the worlds highest quality chinas.

John Ansley, the chairman of a local coalmine in Stokes-on-Trent, England,  had a strong interest in collecting pottery and lustreware and in 1775 started his business in Longton. He used local clay and his own engravings and soon became known as a master potter. His son James successfully maintained the  business .

Funnily enough it was his grandson, John Ansley ll, who took over the manufacturing and introduced a new process. ( This is something I didn't know) He added 50 percent calcified bone ash to the porcelain creating a  stronger and whiter product .... thus the name bone china !!!

It was at this time that Queen Victoria commissioned a set of personal tableware and allowed Ansley China to use the royal family seal in it's logo, where it remains today. The company boasts  recent commissions including  sets for Queen Elizabeth ll and the Prince of Wales. 

 Today, Ansley is still in demand and is now part of the same group that produces Belleek porcelain from Ireland. 

Ok  ... Time to get back to the task ... (Scrub, scrub scrub) ...  Luckily my son loves culinary arts and  has encouraged me to continue into the wee small hours of the morning ... Graham made the brine and I cut up the horse radish and cleaned  the cucumbers... We finished at 12:00 a.m ... No wonder I'm excited to see all  bright  green pickle  jars...  A  job well done  !!! ( Yawn)

Maybe I'll have just one more spot of camomile tea before bedtime !!!

 Goodness , I hear a knock on the door...It's the local ladies  flying  around  on their brooms...They stopped in for an , All Hallow's Eve  chat.  ...Would you like to join us for some teatime   cackling ( ha ha) ... T'is  the witching hour !!!!

Sometimes, I do wonder about this neightbourhood and it's  strange tea brew !!! ( Hee Hee Hee)

Thanks for the visit and ENJOY your last week of summer .