Mr. Tumnus: “Daughter of Eve from the far land of Spare Oom where eternal summer reigns around the bright city of War Drobe, how would it be if you came and had tea with me?”
“Thank you very much, Mr. Tumnus,” said Lucy. “But I was wondering whether I ought to be getting back.”
“It’s only just around the corner,” said the Faun, “and there’ll be a roaring fire–and toast–and sardines–and cake.”
C. S. Lewis. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Great Britain: (Geoffrey Bles, 1950.) pg. 116.
I think Mr. Tumnus was on to something: tea is best when shared with a friend (or a way to make new friends); tea is always better served like a tea party (although I question his choice of sardine refreshments); and tea no matter what time of the year it is…is tea, and can be fully enjoyed whether on a sunny day or in the winter chill by a roaring fire. (In my opinion, rainy days make great tea days.)
The concept of tea started for me at an early age. We sisters would sometimes have tea parties. My older sister had a tea set and Mom would serve tea (apple juice) with refreshments (usually graham crackers.) Tea time was serious excitement.
Melissa and I
Megan
After the apple juice excitement faded, tea was non-existent in my youth–although I applaud my Mom’s efforts in having us try herbal tea. “Add some honey.” Even honey was not sufficient. I never touched tea again until college. Then everything changed. Tea is now a hobby.
Socially, I don’t throw tea parties but I have thought about it a few times. Back at my birthday, being in the south where the best tea resides, my parents gave me a book on tea party history and etiquette. It is fascinating. Books and tea, what could be better?
You don’t necessarily need a tea party to share with friends. Over the past few weeks, I have been given in gracious amounts–tea–resulting in the enjoyment of a few cups during the day. I have been given teas that I have never tried or even heard of in flavor. Once again, excitement resides!–because as far as tea goes, I usually stick with flavors I know or ones that help my stomach (such as peppermint or Bigelow’s Lemon Ginger Plus). But now that new flavors are being given to me as gifts to try, my knowledge of tea choices is expanding and in turn I share the new favorites with my family or other friends.
In order to give, we must also receive.
In life, we have been given a divine invitation…more than just a tea party, the invitation is for eternity, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” ~John 3:16.
The gift has been freely given–freely receive.
My Life with NF2 
Well said Melinda….have a beautiful day tomorrow!
Today was indeed a good day. 🙂 I hope yours was too.
I’m sitting here drinking my morning cup of Bengal Spice and so am grateful to be reminded of God’s gift to me. Thanks. =)
A lovely start to your morning having tea. I admit this morning was coffee. 🙂 BUT I am now at the present moment enjoying a cup of chocolate hazelnut tea from Stash brand. Have you tried this? I still have yet to try the iced tea of Bengal spice. Perhaps tomorrow lunch. 🙂
I love tea! My current favorite is Uncle Lee’s Green Tea.I began my love of tea with a Japanese Tea Ceremony in my sophomore year of high school as a project for history class. A Chinese friend gave me what she called quality China tea for Christmas last year and it was far and away the best tea ever. She is back in China now and as far as i know is still an unbeliever. Please pray for Baoling’s salvation. I love the painting that was at the top of the post with blues on the left and mauve’s on the right and yellow peeking through in the middle!
I am a big fan of green tea. I especially love green tea with mint. 🙂 The coffee shop in town sells a Japanese Matcha Madness green tea. They make it either hot, iced or frozen. The frozen is amazing (with whipped cream and caramel on top. Yum.)
Sounds like an amazing history class project. Tea goes ancient with so many cultures…I am sure each is different in uses and brewing and herbs. I should start reading about this since drinking is a hobby. 🙂
I do think it is time to bring back the tea party! A friend in Kenya loved having friends over for tea – such special memories. Tea and memories do go hand in hand. Loved the photo memories of your childhood tea parties!
Yes, tea parties!!! Next time we get together we can have one (mugs are a sufficient substitute for fancy tea cups.) Though I have seen amazing somewhat full tea sets at thrift stores; alas, another dying art! (yes, setting a proper tea table is an art, LOL.)
Hi Mell, ♥♥♥♥♥
How are u? I’m not using computer very much these days and for that didn’t visit your blog and new posts, everything is OK?
I found u energetic, happy and thankful as always, right?:)
take care a lot my friend,
a big hug:)
Hi Negin!
It is good to hear from you. 🙂 I understand about the computer…there are days when I just want no connection with mine so I spend the day doing other things and find it enjoyable. 🙂 Things are ok at the moment. There have been many changes over the past few weeks, making days where I really struggle physically, emotionally and mentally. But I am thankful for my family and friends that God has given me, because they really encourage me to keep the faith and carry on in the midst of it all. God is giving me the strength I need and I just have to keep trusting him.
Take care too friend. 😀
Sent from my iPad
What fond memories of tea parties with apple juice and graham crackers – I so remember doing this in the Ohio house!! HAHA!! What a great reminder of God’s gift to us…. I’ll have to go home and ponder the goodness of His love for me while sipping on some honey ‘n tea *(the bags that you sent me!) Thanks Sis!!! XOXO
Haha, I know. I was looking for the picture of when your friend Sharon was with us and we were dressed up but found these instead. 🙂 Classic. Or remember the Thanksgiving in the 5N house in MV where we dressed as Native Americans and Pilgrims? 🙂 haha
I so remember all that – hilarious and so fun!! 😉