" WHO'S COMING TO TEA "

" Who's coming to tea?  Can't imagine "whoo" it might be !!!!
I've looked all around the room and even answered the door....  Do you have pumpkins carved? Are they all in their places, with scary, or even happy faces?  I wonder, "whoo" it will be, that will stop over, for a Thanksgiving tea?

I'm  inviting  and wishing all my American friends, a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING.... To celebrate the season, I've strayed a little from the traditional oranges, into the dramatics of black, contrasted with  vibrant yellow and red roses. Today, I shall be brewing rose hip tea reaped from my very own garden.

The best time to harvest the rose hips is after the first frost, as I've been told that frost helps to sweeten the flavour. It's a great way to get a tasteful sense of the bud. 

You can use fresh or  dried rose hips, but you'll need twice as many hips, if your using fresh. For this aromatic tea, steep four to eight rose hips in a cup of boiling water for about 10-15 minutes ... or take a short cut and simply buy some  in the store.

M-m-m-m...It  tastes simply delicious in this artful 1950's "Rosina" teaset from England. The company operated in Longton, Staffordshire and began trading in 1941...  It became one of the many  potteries operating in the region referred to as the " Staffordshire Potteries".

Many of the pieces feature delicate floral designs and patterns with slightly small and dainty handles.

I'm  quite in love with this pattern, especially since it's so fondly decorated with something that I adore, " Roses"... 

" Would Jove appoint some flower to reign

In matchless beauty on the plain

The Rose , ( Mankind will all agree)

The Rose, the Queen of Flower should be ."

- Sappho

Yes, I'm still in the poetic mood of the autumn blush... I trust that, most of you, have  taken time out, to reflect and enjoy the gifts of the season with your families. I've even found a cosy little spot to curl up in, for those quieter moments of thanksgiving.

Since today, I am expecting teatime company..... What better way to celebrate than to share something you love with friends  .... garden fresh tea and  fine china !!!!

 Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving,  the second Monday of each October, so we are now,  actually eating our left overs in a Turkey pie ...( Gobble Gobble) ...  but I'd love to join my American friends on Thursday, for a home cooked meal and a piece of pumpkin pie ...  I can smell it from here. ( Yummy)

If you need a little  break from the hustle and bustle of baking and excitement,   remember that there's a relaxing spot of tea waiting for you, just over the border, in Canada... with the "Grand Lady"and friends.

                                                    " HAPPY THANKSGIVING "

" SWEET INSPIRATION "

The morn is filled with the hazy spirits  of All Hallow's Eve, in a misty blanket of air that refreshes the soul with poetry. It's a  " November Morning ". 

A tingling, misty marvel.

Blew hither in the night,

And now the little peach- trees

Are clasped in frozen light.

Upon the apple branches

An icy film caught.

With trailing threads of gossamer

In pearly patterns wrought.

The autumn sun, in wonder,
Is gayly peering  through
This silver tissued network
Across the frosty blue.

The weather vane is fire tipped,
The honey suckle shows
A dazzling icy splendor,
And crystal is the rose.

Around the eaves of fringes
Of icicles that seem
To mock the summer rainbows
With many coloured gleam.

Along the walk, the pebbles

Are each a precious stone;

The grass is tasseled hoarfrost,

The clover jewel sown.

Such sparkle, sparkle, sparkle

Fills all the frosty air,

Oh, can it be that darkness

Is ever anywhere!

Written By: Evaleen Stein

Now , don't you think that  poetry and a cup of tea are a lovely way to start the day !!!!!  I do, enjoy the brisk and musical air of November.  I can hear the chickadees singing to the harmony of the little nuthatches that are frequenting our feeders.

To celebrate this invigorating month, I've chosen a teaset that fits perfectly into the mood of the day. ..... Tea for two and two for tea.... Won't you join me !!!!!

It's a Queen Anne  cup and saucer that I recently bought at Value Village. Although it's a little worn around the edges, it's uplifting beauty sent me a twitter as I picked it up, put it down and walk away down the aisles three times.... Heaven knows, that I don't need another cup and saucer.

" Tweet Tweet " .. the song of the little bird kept ringing in my ear as I did circles throughout the store....

How very silly of me to think that I could escape the the sweet rapture of this set ( Ha Ha)

Especially since I could get this fine china  for such a song ...$2.00. I had to buy it !!!!

RIGHT !!!!!

Most Queen Anne China dates to around the 1940's-1960's, which makes it vintage and a great addition to my collection.

It was just too pretty to resist.... I shall simply pour the tea into my pretty cup and create some teatime poetry ( sip sip).  Here is my humble poem ( Tee Hee)  It's  called , "Tea Bird "...written by moi....

Pretty Tea Bird singing in sweet fragrance on my cup

Come, chant a song of joyfulness to fill my daytime up.

With hazy hours of falling leaves that dance around the sky,

To hood the world in golden hue, where earthly brown does lie.

The leaves are fading, falling,

Still, your song is bright and clear

Every note a-ringing

Sweet Autumn time is near.

The wind is whirling,twirling,

The brooks seems dry and numb

No babbling,nor gurgling,

Just a soft melodic hum.

Where do you find inspiration? Probably in the most simple things you love...  like flowers and birds.

I find my greatest inspiration from nature.

Today, I have  found poetic inspiration in a cup filled with tea. Please do take the time to ponder some sweet inspiration for yourselves.

Thank You, for the pleasure of your " Sweet November" company.

Have an INSPIRING day !!!!!

I'm sharing "SWEET INSPIRATION" with:

Sandi... Tea Time Tuesday ( http://www.sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.ca

and 

Terri ... Tea CupTuesday ( http://www.artfulaffirmations.blogspot.ca