"SMELLING THE ROSES"


              It’s a stormy day... so I paused for a moment to
                  ‘ smell the roses”, pick the perfect teacup 
                        and choose a delicious brew of tea
                                   to share with everyone.

I just couldn’t resisting  using this antique lustre ware teapot. While it beams with bright copper tones to the naked eye, on the inside it is simply clay. Looks can be deceiving.

OMG...What a fabulous brew this little two cupper makes .

The teapot is an early 1900’s piece, created in the 12th century hamlet of Bruslem, England. Based on the fine abundance of local clays in the Peak District and Staffordshire Moorlands close to Liverpool, this little medieval hamlet has become known as, “ The Mother Town” of six other villages that make up the last real working industrial town in Britain ... in this case pottery.

Today, I have selected a most  delicate Staffordshire cup and saucer to stand in bold contrast to the wholesome Burslem teapot. Funnily enough, they actually compliment one another... Don’t they ?

Everything is"pretty in pink” ...  I could, however, be a little bias, since pink is one of my favourite colors.

What is your choice of color when it comes to selecting  china or teacups ?

My daughter gifted me a Canadian organic tea called 

“ Apple Pie Chai ".

The scented bits and pieces of apple, cinnamon, ginger, cardamon, vanilla bean, star anise and maple that make up this delicate tea are perfect for a winter day !!!

        You can view this and other wonderful flavours at:
                                         “lemonlily.ca"
    It is definitely worth the effort if you like organic teas.

                 And now for a little sip of "Apple Pie Chai ".
                                                 It is  
                                               simply 
                                       SENSATIONAL.

Last October/November, I travelled to Toulouse, France and into the Bordeaux countryside . I would like to share a few pictures of this UNESCO site with you. 

The 9th century monolithic, Saint -Emilion Church,  is the largest underground church in Europe.

Stepping through its' doors, I was immediately awe struck with the fractionated light that created exemplar hues within the stone walls of the medieval architecture ... Of course my sensitivity and imagination were on high alert.

To my delight, various non- titled works of medieval artwork were on display for public viewing. The particular  celestial piece

below seemed to present itself with a vaporous presence journeying through the annals of time.  You can almost envisage and feel the movement of this divine figure. 

I felt an enlightened curiosity in all of the artistry that was represented with hidden marks and symbolism, for instance, this next composition had an eerie omnipresence with it’s numerical mysticism ... yet ... It is very beautiful !!!

I do love artwork and often view  paintings as messages waiting for the perfect storyteller 

to herald  and unlock ancient secrets into our new millenium.

I think, perhaps, a little extra study and research is also required before this secret code will be  discovered.

WHAT AN EXCITING JOURNEY!!!

There is no doubt that talent and hidden secrets abounded within the religious sect of the this early era.  I just felt privileged to have had the opportunity to experience them.

Wouldn’t  it be miraculous to be able to decipher the artistic 

handiworks of the past !!!

Ultimately, the face of this carved statue says it all.

I see such longing and compassion.

What do you see?

Such are the meanderings of my teatime on a snowy day.  I hope that I didn't bore you !!!!

Heavens, what else is there to do during a storm, except to look at pictures and watch the snow transforming itself into a whirling frenzy of philosophical  tea sips ... 

INCIDENTLY 

The tea was delicious.

SO ..... What do you think about at teatime?

Today, I wish you all, a quiet place to relax, rejuvenate

and 

“Smell the Roses "