Happy Mother's Day - Traditions Old and New

Hello Friends!

Today, in our household, "tea time" just got a new look. For Mother's Day, my husband, presented me with the latest in tea-making technology - the "three-in-one hot beverage center". Although, it doesn't allow for the eagerly anticipated high pitch alarm of the tea kettle coming to a boil or the charm of having tea served from a lovely china pot, it does deliver a pretty darned good cup of tea - in less than a minute. And, loose tea at that. (Let's fasten our tea snob belts folks, we're in for a startling ride!)

Since my husband is also responsible for loading Pride and Prejudice on his GPS so we could listen to it on our leisurely drives up north (see Austen-tacious blog, March, 2008), could a tea brewing revolution be far behind? I have to admit, when I first saw the box, I was apprehensive. What next - tea bags and hot tap water?!! But, no, quite the contrary. This is a wonderful device and, even though I'm enamored with the whole tea preparation ritual, I have to say, instant gratification is not hard to take.

So, today, among my many treasured gifts, was a family-sponsored tea time all to myself. While my kids were grocery shopping and tidying up, I began to explore my new tea maker. I carefully removed my new filter basket and measured in a heaping teaspoon of Lady Earl Grey tea (taking heed at the manual's stern warning not to exceed the FILL line) and filling up the water reservoir drawer for just a cupful. In a few short seconds, a hearty flow of tea was dispensing into my tea cup. With no need to wait any further, I dashed off to the study with my "instantaneous tea" and a couple of walnut clusters quickly snatched from my Mother's Day cache. Could tea time get any better?

Perhaps at age 50, one gets more philosophical, or maybe because the extra few minutes I shaved off prep time today could be exchanged for meditation, I thought how, like our conceptions of the ideal afternoon tea can change, so can holiday celebrations. Mother's Day this year is a perfect example. I was fortunate to have my whole crew here breifly this morning, but because my one son had to work today, we're one short for dinner. However, since he is a waiter at a cafe uptown, he suggested we come up and meet in "his section" for dessert. We've got the family, food and a table and chairs. All the ingredients are there, just a little twist on the placement. Like my new tea brewer, it's all going to blend together just fine.

So, today, we can all take a moment and remember our favorite "Ladies", our mom's. I spent many wonderful - and extremely unceremonious - tea times with my Mom where we talked about the kids, politics, the newest book read or my latest travails at work - but the subject was always secondary to the time spent together. Tea brewed fast or slow, tea carafe or tea pot, screaming kettle or dripping water, it doesn't matter (although no styrofoam cups, please!). It's just the perfect accompaniment to any long chats with mom.

With that, dear friends, I bid adieu as it is dessert time and we're heading uptown for a brownie sundae. I'll fasten my tea belt, but it may be a little tight on the ride home.

Happy Mothers Day!!!!

Barb

Birthday Forecast: Low Fif-teas, Warm and Happy

Hello Dear Friends,

When you receive a red hat and an AARP card in the same week, it can only mean one thing: you've reached a milestone birthday. And, that's exactly what happened to me this week - I turned the half-century mark two days ago. I'm happy to report, it's been most enjoyable thanks to family, friends, and, a circle of ladies who are a hybrid of both - my Red Hat group!

I am Queen Mother of "The Royal-Teas", a red hat group in southeastern Michigan. For those who are unfamiliar with the red hatters, their philosophy is centered on celebrating 50 and embracing all that life has in store for the next phase of "maturity". It's based upon the poem, "Warning -When I am Old Am An Old Woman, I Shall Wear Purple", where author, Jenny Joseph, expresses the freedom she will have to do things when she's older that she wouldn't consider in the confines and restrictions of youth. It's an "in-your-face" rebellion to stereotypes of growing older. It's not about going out to pasture; it's about starting a new business, going back to school, building your dream retreat or wearing a purple dress with a red hat!

So, today's tea selection had to be "Sweet Thai Delight", a present from one of my RH-ers. The description on the side of the box applies as well as to the tea as it does our group: ". . . it is sure to enliven your senses and fill your spirit with warmth and happiness". And, so it does.

The Royal-Teas is comprised of an eclectic group of ladies with a variety of backgrounds, tastes and interests. The range couldn't be illustrated better than by two of the teapots I received in my Queen Mother "treasure bath" (see picture, bottom left insert). We are sometimes understated and elegant and at other times, we are a bit funky and on the "wild side". But, always, most emphatically so, we are true to the spirit of the red and purple. We are enjoying our fifties with fun and laughter and a limited respect for rules, schedules and order.

And, so, today, with my red hat on and my cup of tea in hand, I reflect on this fifty-year old journey. While I'm not sure 50 is really the new 30, I'm fine with exchanging my pink chapeau for red, throwing caution to the wind, but still being mindful of reality. I'll continue to increase the length of my daily walks, eat more fiber, and maintain my regularly-scheduled appointment at the hair salon to replace the gray for highlights. But, most importantly, I'll keep that special group of ladies within easy reach, in preparation of what lies ahead.

"We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.

But maybe I ought to practice a little now?

So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised

When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple."

An Austentacious Weekend at Pemberly Pines

Salutations Dear Friends,

After a weekend at Pemberly (Pines), and a media stimulus of Austen-inspired tales, I had no better choice for afternoon tea than my dear, and sadly, depleting supply, of Earl Grey tea from the celebrated Pump Room in Bath. As many Austenphiles know, the Pump Room was quite the social gathering place in Jane's time and it was the scene of much spirited conversation and activity in some of her novels. Although, from most accounts, Jane was not entirely happy during her stay in Bath, we found it to be a most charming place to visit when we traveled to England almost two years ago.

And, although, this particular tea from the Pump Room is not my favorite Earl Grey blend, it does - like Calgon - "take me away" to this wonderful city of Bath and a "reconnexion" with one of my favorite authors. I am such a fan of Jane's, that one the most famous estates of her books, "Pemberley" (impressive home of Mr. Darcy) has become the namesake of our most humble up- north cottage. We've "Americanized" the name a bit, by dropping the last "e"and "northernized" it by adding "Pines". We think Jane would be amused at the irony, since Mr. Darcy's estate was most formidable in size and, in most conservative measurement, Pemberly Pines is but barely 1,200 square feet.

However, we believe we pay appropriate homage to the spirit of Darcy's Pemberely from Elizabeth Bennet's account of her first visit to the estate. She states that "she had never seen a place for which nature had done more, or where natural beauty had been so little counteracted by an awkward taste." With respect to Mr. Darcy's expected condescension due his superior rank and pride, we believe we have achieved the same with Pemberly Pines.

And, so, in our sojourn to northern Michigan this weekend, my husband downloaded a books-on-tape version of "Pride and Prejudice" to, of all things, our dashboard-mounted GPS! At a guaranteed 12 hours-plus of listening pleasure, we were able to take in all of Part One (of Two) in one round-trip excursion. We also found "Becoming Jane" as a pay-per-view choice this weekend and spent another two hours in the Regency Period. It was, if you will forgive my impertinence, as though we were at Steventon itself for a reunion with the entire Austen clan.

There are consequences to such intense Austen-immersion, however. My husband will have to suffer my addresses to him as either "Mr. Gulley" or "Squire Gulley" for the next fortnight. I will find much felicity in our household activity and greet all invitations with undying alacrity; however, if the occasion requires it, I may become appropriately vexed as well.

To all Austen fans: the newly initiated due to Keira Knightley's Miss Bennet and Anne Hathaway's Jane Austen or the more "mature" of us admirers who became loyalists in 1995, after Colin Firth's quintessential Mr. Darcy, (and who should have read the book in its entirety for high school English class), I take such liberty as to say Jane would have been most flattered by all the attention and all the wonderful entertainment her life and novels had provided generations of followers. But, alas, it is 2008 and I am back at home, away from my fellow regents and my thoughts of balls and excursions to country estates must be laid to rest momentarily. Other chores, of a less-exciting nature, must be attended to. Another cup of Pump Room tea and it's off to the rest of the days diversions. . . until next week.

Yours, most respectfully, in tea and friendship, etc.

Mrs. Gulley

Hello Friends!

Today, I had absolutely no difficulty deciding my tea selection - it had to be "Royal Wedding Blend". My eldest son, Rob, and his girlfriend, Karyn, got engaged this weekend and we've been celebrating since we got the news on Friday!

So, today I went down to the treasured tea vault and cracked open one of my last remaining boxes of Royal Wedding. It's a wonderful darjeeling - limited edition - that was packaged in a beautiful blue and gold box to commemorate the wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles. I stocked piled it when it was first offered, as it not only was a satisfying darjeeling, it also made a great gift for wedding showers and engagement parties. Now, that we find we're heading down that same path, we couldn't be happier.

And, although, we're not exactly (meaning not at all) royalty, my husband and I will be commemorating 25 years of marriage in May. The fact that our son and soon-to-be-daughter-in-law happened to get engaged this very same year just seems to make it all the more special.

It's so cliche, but where does the time go? Except for a few of the "high school years", time has gone by at warp speed. It doesn't seem all that long ago that I was standing at our family room door wall, watching our three children in the backyard, hanging from (not actually swinging on) the swing set, digging tunnels in the sandbox and eating their peanut butter sandwich lunches on their Lil Tykes picnic table. Now, suddenly, this year, they're all at milestones: my oldest graduating from college (and now engaged!), my youngest graduating from high school, and my middle son turns 21! It's so exciting and rewarding and emotionally-charged - - thank goodness my drink of choice has such a calming effect.

Another sip of my wedding tea and I think back to more than thirty years ago when we celebrated my parent's 25th wedding anniversary. It was just on the cusp of my one brother's engagement and before the steady stream of sibling weddings that followed. Because I was the youngest, the only girl and the one with the "shallow pockets", I planned the anniversary dinner in lieu of a major contribution to the total bill. We hosted an intimate dinner party at, what at the time, was considered a pretty fancy dining establishment. At ages 18 through 24, the four of us were quite impressed with ourselves and my parents were thrilled. In fact, the picture we snapped that night of my Mom and Dad at the restaurant table, both in mid-laugh, was an all-time favorite of my Mom's and it remained a permanent fixture on her bedroom dresser.

And, here, my husband, Chris and I are almost repeating history. Rachel is 18 and Rob will be 24 (and we've already covered Matt). We, too, have planned a special dinner - this time up north at our cottage - with the family to celebrate all that weddings can bring: love, happiness, children, tears and, most certainly, lots and lots of laughter. Without a doubt, the camera will catch us all in mid-laugh, and that's just the way we want it.

So, join me in a toast as I raise my cup of Royal Wedding tea to all who celebrate this wonderful "institution" (really, can we come up with a better term?) of marriage. Oh, and of course, another tea cup toast to an afternoon tea bridal shower in the future! And, this is just the beginning. . .

Yours in tea and friendship,

Barb

New Tea Room in Royal Oak - A "Gold" Mine for Tea Lovers

Hello Friends!

Happy March!! It's been a busy, snowy, tea-filled week here in Michigan and, in anticipation of spring weather, today's tea selection is a "S'oo-long" to winter and hello to milder temperatures. Yes, this afternoon's tea is Ginseng Oolong and this particular loose leaf comes from "Goldfish Tea", a brand new tea room in Royal Oak that I had the pleasure to visit last week.

Tuesday, I met with Jim Girling, who co-owns the tea room with his wife, Janice. Along with the other resident tea guru, Mike, we spent a few hours at our designated table and sampled a variety of Goldfish Tea's impressive private label inventory. The Girling's lived in China for a number of years and learned first hand the customs and tea preferences of the country. They have turned their passion for tea into a venue that not only serves tea, but educates as well.

Everyone will feel comfortable in the Asian-inspired decor of Goldfish Tea. Tables, chairs and couches, as well as the modern art canvasses that hang on the wall, are all direct from China. There's a gallery of Chinese teapots and cups that are on sale and in all sizes and for all budgets. You may be surprised that some of the tiny teapots are not just decoration - these miniatures are actually used for serving and preparing tea. (My daughter Rachel brought one of these lilliputian teapots home from her trip to China and I never thought to actually use it. But, Jim assured me, it's quite alright - many folks simply collect them!)

The Girling's run the operation from import-to-counter, so they have control and ownership in the entire process to serve their customers better. The quality, care and pride is evident in every detail of this tea room. Here you can quench your thirst for both tea and knowledge.

BTS gives another gloved-thumbs up for Goldfish Tea.

Mike prepares our beverage of choice at the tea bar.


And, other tea happenings this week. . .


February 27th, BTS held "Tea Tasting - Beyond the Tea Bag" at The Community House in Birmingham. Although, we set a limit of attendees, a few additional guests were added at the last minute and we hosted to a full-house plus! With the help of our Community House volunteer, Paula, we were able to serve all our guests and sample a range of teas from Ginseng Oolong (!) to "Civlitea", an expressive black tea blend from Harney Teas (which is only offered to Tea Etiquette Consultants from the Protocol School of Washington). Along the way, we also sipped on Silver Needles white tea and BTS's favorite herbal - strawberry kiwi. Guests took notes of their tea tastings and it was fun to compare preferences. BTS conducts several tea tastings year round. Be sure to call or email Barb's TEA Shop for more information.

Tea Tasting at the Community House. Barb's TEA Shop conducts in-home tea tastings, too . Call 248-840-4356 or e-mail barb@barbsteashop.com for information on BTS hosting a personal tea tasting for you and your friends in the comfort and convenience of your own home.


So, dear friends, steep another pot of ginseng oolong and let it melt your cares away like the warmer temperatures of this coming week will hopefully dissolve the ice on my driveway. And, with the luck of the Irish, and a pot of gold(fish) tea at the end of the rainbow, St. Patty's Day will be here and snow-free in the north!

Yours in tea and friendship,

Barb

Once Upon a Tea Cup with "Mr. Big"

Hello Friends!

After a fairy tale tea time with Christopher Noth this weekend, today's tea selection was a no-brainer, "Earl Grey" straight up! No need for additions, when the contents hold all the right ingredients for a perfectly attractive delight for the senses - and with just a hint of spice. (Am I still talking about the tea?)

On the heels of last week's blog entry of a "super-sized" afternoon tea, I continued on my theme of tall orders this Saturday after meeting, "Mr. Big", aka Chris Noth, at the absolutely charming "Once Upon a Tea Cup" tea room in Windsor, Ontario. Noth is part investor of this tea establishment and it provides a truly unique offering: children are not only welcome, they are encouraged to visit!

While the grown-ups can enjoy a tranquil afternoon tea time, the kids can take a visit to the "closet". Here, little girls can find frilly dresses and tiaras to dress like princesses while sipping pint-sized lattes. And, in a previously ignored market, little boys can also join the fun by selecting from many of the superhero costumes in the collection and defend the enchanted tea room during their stay.

Being a mother to two boys and a girl, I can really appreciate the concept. Back in the day, I would have loved to have had such a place to enjoy the afternoon-tea experience and still bring the little ones. At "Once Upon a Tea Cup", one no longer precludes the other.

Now while one may come to "Once Upon a Tea Cup" for the Hollywood Connections or the original premise, you will come back for the tea, the delicious food and the welcoming service. We also met with Tina, one of the other owners, and she and her staff were as warm as our pot of Earl Grey. (In fact, I was so fond of the Earl Grey they served, I purchased a bag to take home. Hence, my little cup of perfection for today's afternoon break.)

But, don't think you have to have children in tow to visit. You'll find the trip is well worth it, even if you just come with your contemporaries. Although the room was quite full, the children in attendance were all well-behaved. They were focused on their tea-room persona or the tea-time treats set before them at their tables. At our table, there were four adults and we could enjoy our conversation with no distraction. I do believe, however, I've found the perfect place to go when my sister-in-law visits with my two young nephews from out west. We won't need babysitters to get out tea fix this time!


For all our Canadians Friends, we're told that the interview with Chris and Tina (that took place right in front of our tea table!), for "Entertainment Tonight - Canada" will air this Friday, February 15th.

For those of us who visit from the Detroit area, I'm happy to say, it's a direct, relatively short trip across the bridge for an international get-away.

BTS gives this tea room, two gloved-thumb's up.

Happy Valentine's Day to all. Treat yourself to some tea and chocolate this Thursday and we'll see you here next weekend. . .

Tea and friendship,

Barb

Afternoon Tea - Supersized!

Hello Friends,


With February hosting Superbowl Sunday and Super Tuesday, Barb's TEA Shop wants to join in the fun. So, today, I'm having an "extra- grande" serving of tea for my afternoon tea break. And, with a freshly brewed pot of "Strawberry Kiwi", it's an easy - and delightful - thing to do.

In addition to the big events mentioned above, February is also Valentine's Day month (although it has avoided the "Super" title-trap, so far). The upcoming holiday has inspired today's tea selection as Strawberry Kiwi not only tastes wonderful, it has a beautiful rosy red color, too, that's perfect for all romantics. I chose one of my favorite pink-flowered tea cups for serving (see top left insert). As I am fond of saying, it really is "too-too"!

BTS had a terrific week. Thursday, I had wonderful time at the Troy Historical Village. Met some of the nicest ladies, many who stayed afterwards to share some of their own, very interesting, tea stories. And, what a turnout! One hundred women were in attendance and the church pews were filled to capacity with lovely guests and teacups. Another fine example of "tea as an occasion" - a reason cited in the presentation for the ever growing popularity of tea.

February is sure to be a busy time as well. We'll be wrapping up our Super Month with "Tea Tasting - Beyond the Teabag" at The Community House. We appreciate "Strut For Women" - the monthly magazine in The Detroit News - for selecting Beyond the Teabag as one of their "February, 2008 Enrichment" class choices (February 08, page 19).

Before I close for the afternoon, I invite you to vote in our new poll. Tell us what your "cup of tea" will be for tomorrow's (Sunday) night viewing.

And, I hasten to add before my departure, all the "super-fluous" talk will be gone next week!

Tea and friendship,

Barb