This yummy cup of awesome was my salvation last week when I wasn't feeling well. Chest congestion is the only thing that can ever induce me to drink hot tea. Until now. Now I will drink it for soul congestion as well. For Mondays and Wednesdays and the cold, dark days of January. Any time the bills outweigh the booty or I hear too much about the economy - bring on the tea. Now that I've discovered its powers. You know I wasn't feeling well last week, and my mother one day recommended hot tea, as any proper mother should. I remembered a sense of cozy warmth the last time my chest had hurt like this, so I was for it. I boiled water in a plain old soup pot. I had a variety of tea bags around - a gift from Mom at Christmas I think? - and chose spicy chai. Then I dipped the water from the plain old pot using a plain old ladle, but I poured it over the tea bag into this beautiful pink-budded cup on its matching saucer. And that, I'm pretty sure, created the magic.
My Australian friend sent me this tea set, because we always said we wished we could have tea together. It came up because of our mutual love for Anne of Green Gables and the fact that in Australia, they actually have tea. (Jake and I call it snack). She sent it, I'm pretty sure, during the cancer year so it holds the added intention of, "If there was anything I could do to ease your pain, I'd do it - and here is a wonderfully sweet tea set for starters."
The combination of that wonderfully spicy-chaied warmth and the feeling that Bec was actually reaching across the ocean to pat my weary soul (plus the added aspect of having obeyed my mother, which rarely fails me) - all worked together to soothe every corner of my being. I had no idea a cup of tea could pack so much miracle power in it, but I'll never forget it again.
12 comments:
I had no idea you were prejudiced against tea! During Evan's hospital adventures what I missed most was a decent cup of tea. As you discovered, it is so comforting in stressful situations. I don't know if you remember, but I collect tea pots. I have loved tea since high school, when it was the "in" drink for writers of my young age. (Hey, we didn't have Starbucks.) Have fun on your new voyage of discovery. I highly recommend Stash's Earl Grey by the way.
I'm prejudiced against both tea and coffee which definitely puts me in the minority. But I'll remember to try for a cup of awesome next time I'm sick now:)
I too have acquired a taste for tea. It didn't come naturally and it's really only been this winter that I've made a cup a tea a regular part of my day. I think Wisconsin's frigid winters make it even more appealing. My favorites are spiced chai(any brand so far) and Twining's Earl Grey Decaf. I find hot tea very relaxing and definitely the best comforter when a sore throat comes on. (I have yet to join the ranks of the coffee enthusiasts.)
Yes, Lori, I just couldn't develop a taste for it. It seemed like bitter hot water to me. I'll tell you, though - take heed, Sarah - I gotta sweeten it to really enjoy the taste. (Andrea, no coffee for me either - only occasionally when a friend insists that they've ordered me something so doctored up it could hardly be called coffee anymore).
I think tea seems to have a certain kind of sentiment attached to it!
My own love for tea started back in college when I was often sick with tonsilitis. My best friend took me from my lonely dorm room, to her cozy apartment and made hot tea and honey for me. I still don't know if it was the tea or the friendship that made me feel better -- I'm pretty sure it was the combination of the two.
When my children were little, another good friend invited me over for tea and lots of special talk time. She lives in Dallas now, but whenever I think of her, I remember those special moments of drinking tea and sharing life together.
When I started the p90x workouts last year, the guy that leads them was always talking about the gratifying recovery drink he was suggesting we drink after the workout, sort of a "treat yourself you've just done well!" sort of thing. I chose a hot cup of tea instead, soooo relaxing. I like chamomile at night but during the day I have all kinds of favs. Twinings English breakfast is one, I pretend I'm in England while drinking it. (lol)
Of course I'm a huge coffee drinker also, not sure when I developed the crush on Starbucks, but its there all the same.
You have such a way with words! (cup of awesome)
luv
Tiff
I ALWAYS knew you were a smart girl!
Constant Comment-just a hint of orange, and with sugar? OH MY!
I, too, adore tea - it began when I was working at a coffee house and didn't drink coffee (I still don't). I love all sorts, and my addiction has been cemented by my time spent in England. For me there's nothing like it to bring warmth, comfort, healing and peace. Glad you've discovered the magic!
Yes, I prefer tea to coffee...and I believe I deserve such moments daily, and so I do. Usually when children are asleep or watching TV I enjoy my cup of tea. Chai is by far my favorite, but Constant Comment is certainly next in line...why? Well, as I respond to those who ask, because it is so good it leaves you commenting constantly!
Okay, People, my plan is to try all of these recommendations. I'm so grateful for them! Let the era of tea begin.
Mmmmm ... love tea! I have it every afternoon! I have several favorites ... but, I agree that the Constant Comment (I like the decaf) is always a sure bet!
I used to HATE tea. I called it coffee for wimps. But then, slowly, tea started beckoning to me for all the reasons you so elegantly listed.
And now I kind of like tea, but only tea that doesn't taste like tea--the wacky flavors.
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