Learning From Those "In the Know" of Tea

The Tea Industry is one of the few -- that I know of -- where the "authorities" are open, approachable, friendly, and wiling to continue teaching the industry novices. I have found the norm to be that the authorities are too busy "resting on the laurels" they have built to take time to educate the masses. Not so with tea people. It is almost an unwritten rule that one must continue to share the tea wisdom, knowledge, and experiences that have been shared with you with others. It is this philosophy I experience each time I read the new issue of Tea Time Magazine. 

Take the most recent issue (Tea Time July/August 2012) I not only discovered Barry W. CooperThe Tea And Hat Lady with Norwood James Pratt -- World Tea Expo, Vegas 2012 an International Tea Master through an article by one of my absolute favorite Tea authorities on tea and tea lore, James Norwood Pratt but one of my "Tea Sisters" was featured in an article. Julia Matson is one intelligent lady who just happens to also be beautiful. What an outstanding combination. Here is a magazine that has the how-to's for tea ideas, recipes, and pairings as well as providing their subscribers with a schedule of upcoming tea events and tea spots to visit while traveling.

Ok, let's get back to the reason for this blog -- Silver Spoons, Mad Baboons, and Other Tales of Tea by Barry W. Cooper. I found this book to provide a realistic reflection from the history of tea while being extremely entertaining. So entertaining that I found myself hiding away with a cuppa and the book for two days to go from cover to cover. At times laughing out loud while reading Cooper's Tea Tales. This book is absolutely a "must read" for any tea fan but more so it should be read by all -- I promise that once you read this book you will give a cuppa tea a try. If for no other reason than to lift you cuppa to B.W. Cooper with a "Job Well Done" salute. 

Thank you Tea Time Magazine, Norwood James Pratt, and Barry W. Cooper for continuing to share your tea knowledge and experiences with us.

Until we once again gather for a cuppa, I am. . . 

The Tea And Hat LadyMy personal Camellia sinensis getting ready to bloom.

Tea Time at Grace

Not only was Saturday, May 5, 2012, Cinco de Mayo and Kentucky Derby Day but it was also Tea Time at Grace. I had the privilege of sharing my enthusiasm and knowledge of tea with this lovely group by taking them on a journey into the miraculous world of "true tea," it's history, characteristics, and wellness proprerties. 

Tea Time at Grace was a delightful gathering of women from the Grace United Methodist Church in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania. Three friends, Gay Wells, Nancy Williams, and Marjy Woodburn came up with the idea of the tea while enjoying tea on a recent vacation. They were so excited to share their enjoyment and friendship over a cup of tea with others who have played a role in their Christian lives. A year following this initial cup of tea the "tea time at Grace" became a reality.

Our light tea menu consisted of finger sandwiches of egg salad, cucumber and cream cheese, and ham salad followed by scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserves. The tea desserts were yummy cream puffs and chocolate mousse cake. We took this opportunity to pair the tea sandwiches with a Chinese White Ginger Peach tea. The scones were accompanied with a Green Dragon Morning Tea. I selected a Burgundy Oolong to pair with the sweet chocolate desserts. All enjoyed the light afternoon tea menu paired with a tea which enhanced the flavor of the menu.

I played the role of speaker but was treated as a friend in Tea. The ladies of the Grace United Methodist Church are gracious, friendly, and very welcoming. Should you ever have an opportunity to visit this Church please do so with an open mind and heart. You will have a very pleasant experience and come away feeling your life has been enriched.

Thank you Nancy, Gay, and Marjy.

Until we next share a cuppa,

The Tea and Hat Lady