A Good Book and a Cuppa

 

     What a difference a couple of days can make in Autumn. Friday night I was at an outdoor Oktoberfest, dining on delicious German food, and enjoying great conversation with new friends. It was pleasantly mild enough for us to have dined outdoors by the warmth of an open fire.
     On Saturday, as I spent much of the day indoors working on my book, it was one of mild weather and sporadic bursts of warm sunshine. However, it ended rather dramatically with high winds and a drastic drop in temperatures. This made for a perfect melancholy gray Sunday with sprinkles of rain and a high of 58. It really was an ideal day to cozy up with a hot cuppa and a good read.
      With that in mind, and given that this is the month of ghosts, ghouls, and things that go bump in the night; I thought it would be fun to share a Tea Society October Book list of some great eerie reads.

  

 

1. The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe

 

     This wonderful modern take on the Salem Witch trials is an absolute must read for October: "Salem, Massachusetts, 1681. Fear and suspicion lead a small town to unspeakable acts. Marblehead, Massachusetts, 1991. A young woman is about to discover that she is tied to Salem in ways she never imagined. "A sensational debut novel . . . carries on every page Howe's unique passion, wit, intelligence, and spirit."

 

2.  The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

 

         See my review here from a few years ago on this amazingly well written and atmospheric gem.

 

3. The Hound of The Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

 

     This is perhaps my favorite of all the Sherlock Holmes Mystries. Dr. John Watson plays a key role in this classic set against the backdrop of a a manor, murder, and the spectre of a mysterious phantom hound. What more could you ask for?

4. Dracula by Bram Stoker

     "A true masterwork of storytelling, Dracula has transcended generation, language, and culture to become one of the most popular novels ever written. It is a quintessential tale of suspense and horror, boasting one of the most terrifying characters ever born in literature: Count Dracula, a tragic, night-dwelling specter who feeds upon the blood of the living, and whose diabolical passions prey upon the innocent, the helpless, and the beautiful. But Dracula also stands as a bleak allegorical saga of an eternally cursed being whose nocturnal atrocities reflect the dark underside of the supremely moralistic age in which it was originally written -- and the corrupt desires that continue to plague the modern human condition. " ( This wonderful description was provided by Amazon)

 

5. Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier

 

     Gothic literature at its most sublime. The Barnes and Noble review below captures the essence of this timeless novel.

 

     "Last night I dreamt I Went To Manderley Again." So the second Mrs. Maxim de Winter remembered the chilling events that led her down the turning drive past the beaches, white and naked, to the isolated gray stone mansion on the windswept Cornish coast. With a husband she barely knew, the young bride arrived at this immense estate, only to be inexorably drawn into the life of the first Mrs. de Winter, the beautiful Rebecca, dead but never forgotten...her suite of rooms never touched, her clothes ready to be worn, her servant — the sinister Mrs. Danvers — still loyal. And as an eerie presentiment of evil tightened around her heart, the second Mrs. de Winter began her search for the real fate of Rebecca...for the secrets of Manderley."

 

 

6. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

 

     This book, along with Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights, is the reason for my lifelong fascination with Yorkshire. The novel begins with the tormented childhood of the orphaned Jane. It takes the reader through her early life of abuse and cruetly. As she grows up, Jane eventually takes the postion of governess to the ward of Mr. Edward Rochester, a "Byronic Hero" and master of a remote estate on the moors called Thornfield Manor. While at her new position, Jane uncovers her employer's dark history and a devastating secret in the attic. This novel has a permanant space on my home library shelf.

 

7. The Woman In Black by Susan Hill

     I did see the recent film with Daniel Radcliffe last year and I thought it was very well done and quite eerie. However, I am so glad that I read the book first. The book is frightening and there are of course some marked differences between it and the film. Hill's masterfully written ghost story is one of the few books that left me sleeping with the bedroom light on.

     "Arthur Kipps is a man touched by tragedy, as we learn, following his storming away in a temper from Victorian festivities, complete with ghost stories, on a snowy Christmas Eve. He is fully aware that stories of ghosts may be told in frivolous fashion, but that ghosts themselves -- real ghosts -- rarely manifest in such a mood. Ashamed of his bad behavior and wishing to explain himself and make it up to his wife, he begins to write the story of his own horrific experience following the death of Mrs. Drablow in the remote village of Crythin Gifford. A young attorney, he travels up North to represent his firm at her funeral and clear up outstanding legal affairs. The reader follows Kipps casually but is soon caught up in a fearful exploration of human despair and its consequence." "( Editorial Review- Amazon)

 

8. The Picture of Dorain Gray by Oscar Wilde

 

Vanity. Yes, all is vanity...

 

     "A lush, cautionary tale of a life of vileness and deception or a loving portrait of the aesthetic impulse run rampant? Why not both? After Basil Hallward paints a beautiful, young man's portrait, his subject's frivolous wish that the picture change and he remain the same comes true. Dorian Gray's picture grows aged and corrupt while he continues to appear fresh and innocent."( From Amazon)

 

9. The Fall Of The House Of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe

     DURING the whole of a dull, dark, and soundless day in the autumn of the year, when the clouds hung oppressively low in the heavens, I had been passing alone, on horseback, through a singularly dreary tract of country ; and at length found myself, as the shades of the evening drew on, within view of the melancholy House of Usher. I know not how it was - but, with the first glimpse of the building, a sense of insufferable gloom pervaded my spirit.

Need I say more?

 

 

10. The Woman In White by Wilkie Collins

 

     “There, in the middle of the broad, bright high-road—there, as if it had that moment sprung out of the earth or dropped from the heaven—stood the figure of a solitary Woman, dressed from head to foot in white garments.”

      "Thus, young art tutor Walter Hartright first meets the mysterious woman in white in what soon became one of the most popular novels of the nineteenth century. Secrets, mistaken identities, surprise revelations, amnesia, locked rooms and locked asylums, and an unorthodox villain made this mystery thriller an instant success when it first appeared in 1860, and it has continued to enthrall readers ever since. From the hero’s foreboding before his arrival at Limmeridge House to the nefarious plot concerning the beautiful Laura, the breathtaking tension of Collins’s narrative created a new literary genre of suspense fiction, which profoundly shaped the course of English popular writing." ( from Amazon)

 

 



Fall fashion And A Tea Of The Month

With the temperatures taking a dip, it's time for sweaters, scarves and boots to replace linen capri pants, summer dresses, and sandals. It's no secret that I love fall and winter clothing and relish this changing of seasonal attire.  I delight in adding new pieces to tried and true standbys in the back of the wardrobe. As a matter of fact, I got a jump on this a couple of weeks ago with some new brown Equestrian boots.

As I continue to look for key pieces and missing elements, I think of the master of  fall fashion, Ralph Lauren. Does anyone do it better?  Just take a look at the new fall line below.  :)

There's a certain undeniable magic in the air when October rolls around. Being a child of Autumn, I marvel at the rapidly changing hues from deep green to russet, gold, and crimson. Look how perfectly these colors compliment the Ralph Lauren collection above. Marvelous!

Beginning with the month of October, and as a welcome of sorts to the birth of this next season, the Tea Society blog will feature a Tea of the month. This month's featured tea is one that is perfect for fall because of it's comforting taste and hypnotic aroma of heavenly bergamot. I'm speaking of  none other than the favorite tea of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.  Earl Grey, of course.  However, I am not recommending just any brew of Earl Grey. The one that I adore is blended by Twinings. I have sampled countless loose leaf and bag varieties of Earl Grey over the years and though I have tasted some very fine blends, I always seem to come back to Twinings. I suppose you could say that Twinings is to Earl Grey what Ralph Lauren is to fall fashion...Hum...That just might be my new mantra...

I'll leave you with this suggestion: For this October, add a new scarf to your fall wardrobe, and make sure your pantries and cupboards are stocked with loose leaf and tea bag varieties of Earl Grey. Cheers!

The Tea Society Blog Returns!

It has been nearly a year since I stepped away from the Tea Society Blog( new title :). During that time, I wrote about my artwork at my other blog, Flora Symbolica, and my family and I moved north to Maryland. I left beloved friends and extended family behind in Kentucky to a life of the unfamiliar with the promise of change. Change, as most of my blog followers know, is not something that I generally welcome. I am most certainly a creature of habit. It goes without saying that some change is  welcome but other forms of change removes us from the comforts of the familiar and snatches us far from the places where we feel our happiest and our most content.

It is often said that our circumstances are what we make of them and that we can choose to be happy or not. I believe this, to a certain degree. Yet, I also know that when we are connected so deeply to some places and to certain people that when they are no longer there, we truly grieve their absence. It's very much a spiritual connection. To have that removed or distanced from our lives makes it rather difficult to choose to ignore the loss and put on a happy front.

While pondering all of this, I came to the rather obvious realization that when we are fortunate enough to be able to return to a place that makes us feel content, happy, and peaceful, then we should certainly celebrate that and do so, wholeheartedly! For me, that place, figuratively speaking, is this little corner of my own "virtual reality", right here at the Tea Society Blog. I have greatly missed sharing bits and pieces of Tea adventures along with the joy of connecting with kindred spirits across this vast globe. I honestly did not realize what a huge part of my life this blogging adventure had become, and what a chasm it left within me when I stopped frequenting this realm. This is my sanctuary, my place of bliss. This is a refuge of tranquility and contentment amid the sometimes stressful alternative known as everyday life. It is time to joyfully return to that place where I can escape and delve into the comforts of all things Tea-related and to marvel and relish those charming extra accompaniments to tea-culture. I hope my former blog followers will return for a cuppa with me and for many more tea-filled days of bliss.  How I have missed you.

A NEW HOME IN THE BLOGOSPHERE


Hello dear friends of the Tea Society Blog. First off, I want to thank those who have been so kind as to leave their comments and farewells here. I also want to thank you for the infinite pots of "virtual tea" that we've shared over the years. You have been such wonderful kindred spirits and I have treasured getting to know so many of you more than you will ever know.

With all that said, this is certainly not the end! I have finally returned to introduce my new home in the Blogosphere. I have published a new art blog called Flora Symbolica. That's just a much more romantic title for The Language of Flowers. The title was inspired by a wonderful book that I recently purchased by the same name. It was written by Debra N. Mancoff and is all about the use of Flowers in Pre-Raphaelite art.

If you have an interest in Botanical art, gardening and beautiful gardens, you will no doubt find something of interest for you here. And of course, there will always be a fresh kettle on while you look over the contents. Truly, My hope is that the new blog will be a much more personal, as well as professional, journey for me. I would be delighted if my bloggy friends would join me in this adventure as I embark on life as a Botanical Illustrator.

Most Teafully,
Rebecca

CLOSING CHAPTERS AND MOVING ON


I hope each of you have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend. It's been beautiful here in Central Kentucky and promises to be hot and sunny. I must confess, though I am a child of autumn, I am thrilled to have some sunshine and warmth after such a cold and rainy spring and later winter..We're actually expecting a high of 90 on Monday. As usual, we skip spring and go straight into summer.

Life continues to evolve and offers many changes. Some are very good, I might add, and others, only time will tell. With that said, I have decided that this will be the last post for the Ladies Historical Tea Society Blog. I will leave the blog up for the duration of the summer, if nothing else, for the music that so many of you have told me that you love. For myself, I intend to spend some much needed time with my family as well as in the art studio and in my beloved garden. The latter two mentioned have been sorely neglected and I must redirect my attention, specifically, to my art and keep it focused there. I want to take this time to extend many blessings to the wonderful followers and friends that I've made through the blogosphere. I hope you have a wonderful summer and I sincerely want to thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your support and kindness throughout the last several years. I have made some very dear friends, and I cherish each of you more than most of you will ever know.

Most Teafully,
Rebecca

TEA IN ENGLAND (SPRING IN HISTORIC BATH PART 1)


A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit England for 8 days. This was my first trip to the 'Sceptered Isle" and to say it was perhaps the most spectacular destination I’ve ever visited would be a vast understatement. For, as an unapologetic Anglophile, being there at least once in your lifetime is as necessary to existence as the water you drink or the air that you breathe. To take advantage of any trip there is a must, no matter how long or short the duration.

After spending a few exciting days in London, it was destination, Bath, where I was able to visit a wonderful tea room which is what this post will concentrate on. Of course, Bath is known for its Roman influence and exquisite Georgian architecture but it should also be noted that this city has many wonderful tearooms and specialty shops. It seems that I stumbled upon one at every turn. I only wish I had several more days to explore this breathtaking city and partake of each and every one. Hum…I’m thinking a tea room tour of Great Britain must be in the future works. Anyone care to join me?

The three most significant activities that were enjoyed by the privileged in Bath during the Regency era, in which it’s so well known, were dancing, gambling and tea. It is also said that if one spent any less than 6 weeks there, you would have certainly held no social significance whatsoever. To do so would have been considered bad form, indeed. After all, Bath, during Jane’s time was second only to London in prestige and fashion- ability, though that would change some years later when it would become much less chic.

Upon first arriving and embarking on the adventure of navigating the maze of one way streets in the city, our first destination was the Jane Austen Centre. The centre offers a museum of period clothing and displays which have been designed to give a glimpse into what life would have been like during the Regency era. It also houses a nice gift shop with everything Jane-related.

The tour at the centre was very informative. It was filled with information about the Austen family especially in reference to the time they spent there. It is often said that Jane grew weary of Bath, but the guide at the centre seemed to feel that she did in fact have a fondness for the city, at least at certain times in her life. Of course, Jane devotees will be quick to point out that Bath was the setting of two of Austen’s beloved novels, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, the former being my favorite of the two.

Now, for the tea experience: I had researched the Tea Room at the centre a bit before my trip so had great expectations. For instance, it is housed in a Georgian townhouse on historic Gay Street and adorned with décor faithful to the era. This certainly makes for perfect ambiance. But of more importance, this particular tea room, known as The Regency Tea Room, has been granted the Tea Guild’s esteemed “Award of excellence” and “Tea rooms with distinction” award. One sip of the perfectly brewed selections offered here and it’s easy to see why. I opted to sample two blends from their offering of 15. My first was the Jane Austen Blend; a mixture of delectable China black teas, in keeping with what was more easily available during the Regency period. The second was Russian Caravan. The latter is a blend of China blacks with a smokier flavor- Very satisfying. Of course, I came away with loose leaf bags of both, along with a charming silver tea strainer. As for tea fare, I chose “Tea with Mr. Darcy.” I ask you, how could one resist ordering that when there is a charming portrait of Colin Firth, in the role that made him famous, holding a position of honor just above the mantle? And what exactly was included with this “Tea”? It consisted of a two tiered offering of cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches, fresh baked scones (one plain, one with currants) with Dorset clotted cream, strawberry jam, lemon curd, apple tartlets, delectable meringue shells with fruity filling, and cream stuffed buttery cookies-topped with a drizzle of chocolate.

And what did all this result in? Well, an afternoon of absolute bliss, of course!

Now, make sure to check back soon for “Part 2” of Bath to see the rest of what this exquisite English city is known for.

AND THE OSCAR GOES TO...


Congratulations to a Tea Society favorite, Colin Firth, on his Oscar win for best actor in The King's Speech. This wonderful film also captured the grand prize for best film, best director, and best original screenplay. Well deserved, indeed.

THE KING'S SPEECH




This Sunday I finally had the opportunity to see The King’s Speech. First of all I absolutely adore Colin Firth in nearly every film he graces but this particular movie left me speechless, pardon the pun. Firth’s amazing portrayal of King George VI, father of Queen Elizabeth and husband of the Queen Mother, is simply mesmerizing. His Golden Globe win is certainly well deserved. I truly hope that Firth takes home the Oscar for Best Actor this year. To say he is well deserving of such accolades would be a vast understatement.

From the opening scene where the terrified Prince Albert, Duke of York, is standing before a crowd at the closing of the Empire Exhibition in 1925, Colin Firth casts his spell and the movie audience instantly feels sympathy for this courageous stammering man who would soon be King. From that moment on, you know that you are about to form an intimate relationship with this character.

Geoffrey Rush portrays Lionel Logue, “Bertie’s” (the family nickname for Albert) Australian speech coach. He delivers an amazing performance and never disappoints with his ability to make you truly believe that he is in fact the person he portrays. Interestingly, I read that some of the most memorable lines in the movie were actually taken from Lionel Logue’s personal notes on the methods he used in his therapy sessions. These notes were discovered 9 weeks before filming began. Therefore, to maintain accuracy, the script was reworked to reflect what was in the notes.

Oh, and I mustn’t fail to mention the spectacular hats in this film. Helena Bonham Carter certainly wears them well. And yes, there are a few Tea scenes to enjoy, along with some featuring those adorable Corgi’s.

I must say that this film is about much more than a “Royal” over-coming a speech disability, it is about believing in yourself and the ability to rise above pre-conceived low expectations to achieve greatness. It is about trusting and discovering the importance of having at least one person in your life that helps you discover the true power of greatness within you. I think the King was indeed fortunate that he had two such people in his life, his devoted wife, Elizabeth, and his unconventional friend and therapist, Lionel.

TEA SOCIETY CHRISTMAS TEA

( Darleen opened her lovely home to the Tea Society for our Tea Cup exchange)

Sunday was certainly the day for special tea events. Not only did I attend Mr. Toast’s wonderful Christmas Tea in Scotland but I also found myself at our Tea Society Christmas Tea in Lexington, Kentucky. Wow…Two teas within a 24 hour period on two different continents..Hum…isn’t that some sort of record? ;)

Of course everyone in the blogosphere is still abuzz over our tea adventure at Torosay castle on the Isle of Mull but we also had a delightful late afternoon tea a bit closer to home and on a much smaller scale. Every year we have an annual member’s only tea cup exchange for Christmas. It was truly a wonderful relaxing afternoon spent in laughter and wonderful conversation among cherished friends and over the greatest drink on the planet, tea of course. And best of all, you always end up bringing home a special tea cup! I will post a glimpse at the Spode tea cups that I received in a future post. Thank you, Natalie!


(A glimpse at some of the delicious tea fare we enjoyed)


(The ladies deep in conversation)

(Darleen's amazing glass ornament filled tree)


(One of members, Carolyn F., had to leave early to attend an advent service but those of use remaining were: Seated( Darleen, our hostess, Natalie- wearing her Edwardian inspired creation- standing, Polly, Rebecca( me)in the center and Caroline B.>)


Our menu this year was: Fresh baked cranberry scones with lemon curd( Yes they were warm and delicious!), artichoke and roasted red pepper savories, Sally Lunn tea sandwiches with a spinach /cheese filling, sun dried tomato sandwiches, cranberry nut sandwiches, mini raspberry cheesecakes, fresh baked cookies, peanut butter roll, pineapple and banana nut breads. The teas served were: Czar’s Samovar (a robust aromatic blend of Ceylon with dried currants), Elmwood Inn Rose, and Kentucky Blend (A perfect black tea best enjoyed with milk and sugar).

What a wonderful way to spend a cold, blustery December afternoon...and such a lovely way to kick off the holiday season.

CASTLE-WEAR AND MR. TOAST'S CHRISTMAS TEA


My dashing date is wearing Armani

My Evening Tea Gown is from Terani Couture( Recommended by Anne Hathaway)





Read below to catch up on the weekend adventure in Scotland


Scroll down below photos for a Saturday Update

Well, the grand weekend is upon us and I arrived at Glenbogle yesterday by rail.


After a rather bumpy ride in a rather beat up land rover through some snow-covered roads, Duncan McKay, the reliable yet rather clueless ranger and all around errand boy, managed to deliver me in one piece to the "stately" Glenbogle house.



I received a warm welcome from my charming host and date for the big Tea Event on Sunday, Archie MacDonald.



Here's a glimpse at some of my wardrobe on this adventure.








Happily, it seems the plumbing issues have been sorted since my last visit. There is in fact hot water in my private bath this time around and it actually runs clear! Yippee!!!..

There's not much time for leisure today. An art conservationist from Glasgow should be arriving any moment to help with the "authentication" of some of the paintings in question. That is, if we can manage to get Hector, Archie's father, to give us the key to the vault where they're being stored. He's up to something and doesn't want anyone to take a look at what he's got stashed away down there...hum...

Alas, I am looking forward to cocktails and dinner this evening. I think I'll need a couple! I chose this little number with a black wrap. Archie said that Hector will certainly approve...:)





Now...I just hope Lexie, the cook, will stop glaring at me. It seems she has a bit of a crush on the Laird and is not pleased at all with my arrival. Oh dear...yes, cocktails will be most welcome!

Stay tuned this weekend for our arrival at Torosay Castle on the Isle of Mull and for Sunday's big event. I'll reveal the final tea attire then.

What was in the Vault?

Well, we finally got the keys from Hector after Molly, Archie’s mother, knew where he was hiding them. She’s a gem! It seems Hector and his friend, Lord Kilwillie, had been hiding a 200 year old barrel of Malt Whiskey down there. Turns out, it may be worth quite a lot of money but Hector was afraid that Archie would want to sale it to help pay for some much needed repairs. Oh well…I think Archie may have won the first round, as he has seized the barrel and locked it away…However, I suspect this latest MacDonald debate is far from over.

Unfortunately, the paintings I was hired to authenticate were indeed forgeries…Quite good forgeries none the less but utter fakes. After all of the events today, Archie is not exactly in the best of moods so let’s hope the journey to Torosay castle and the grand Christmas Tea will get the woes of Glenbogle off his mind.

And, thank goodness Mr. Toast will have proper scones…Lexie’s were ice cold and as hard as bricks. I nearly broke a tooth on one this afternoon!

Until Sunday night my friends…

Most Teafully,
R

A CHRISTMAS TEA IN SCOTLAND



The blogosphere is of course buzzing with anticipation over Mr. Toast’s 2nd annual Christmas Tea…My, if you missed last year’s event, you certainly should revisit this spectacular gala. Mr. Toast is highlighting many special moments on his sidebar and throughout some of his posts. Please stroll over there to get a recap of the glorious event and to sign up to attend this year.

I have the perfect date for this Highland fling. I will be escorted by none other than the Laird of Glenbogle, Archibald MacDonald. Archie invited me to spend a few days before the event at his ancestral home of Glenbogle House. I just hope this time; the plumbing issues have been resolved. Keeping a castle in tip top shape can prove rather taxing, or so I’m told ;)... That ever so eccentric family and staff of his should make the stay very entertaining to say the least. It seems I will also be conducting a bit of business while visiting with the MacDonald’s. Apparently, the family are in an uproar over some ancestral portraits. The request was vague but has something to do with questioning their authenticity. Hum… Archie has asked for an Art Historian’s advice so, of course, I am more than happy to look into this for him.


(Here's a photo of my date, Archie, the Laird of Glenbogle. He's the handsome one, first step, in the middle of a cast of, err, characters. Trust me when I say that's the understatement of a lifetime.)

Ah, now that my date for this event has been secured, I must finalize my wardrobe. Check back after this Holiday weekend for a sneak peak. Hum...can't wait to see what Archie wears. He has been known to sport a variety of kilts so this should prove interesting.



And last but not least, Happy Thanksgiving to each and every one of you!

WORLD CUP OF TEA CHARITY EVENT


(from Google Images)

For any of you who might be in the Franklin/Nashville area. You may find this event interesting. I've blogged about World Cup of Tea before and loved the experience at this tea room. And, what a worthy cause!


On Sunday, September 26th World Cup of Tea will join the fight to raise money and awareness for childhood cancer by teaming up with Songs For The Cure / 30 Days of Hope. We will have three seating times for lunch, 11:00, 1:00, and 3:00. Reservations are required. 100% of the proceeds go to Songs For The Cure / 30 Days of Hope. Music will be provided by Tonja Rose. Call and make your reservation today! 615-224-9778.

Menu for the event:
Southern Harvest Salad
Aunt Cecils Chicken Salad
Open Faced Cucumber
Hot Roast Beef
Apricot or Chocolate scone
$15.00 per person (Remember 100% goes to the charity.)


For more information you can check out the website for Songs for the Cure www.songsforthecurenashville.com or the website for 30 Days of Hope www.thirtydaysofhope.org

A NEW WEEK AND A NEW BLOG




I have a new blog published today and will be redirecting my attention over there. For those of you who have been faithful followers here at LHTS, please come over to The Muse Within. I hope you enjoy this new direction and stop by often!

REFLECTIONS


( A Friday evening stroll at Battery Park, Charleston, SC )




( Rosebud, adorned with lilac hat- Cherry Grove Beach, SC )


It's hard to believe that August is here again. I must admit, it has to be one of my least favorite months. The debilitating and repressive heat and humidity that we experience here in my neck of the woods is frankly, well, depressing. This week has been so deadly hot that merely walking from your front door to your car truly is a Herculean feat.

I prefer to take this time indoors to reflect on the coming fall, my favorite season. With reflections comes challenges and changes for me on a number of levels. First of all, after teaching private art classes on and off for the last 14 years, I have decided to return to school in order to complete a Masters Degree in Art Education. That will mean major changes in regards to juggling so many interests. It also means a new direction in blogging. Though I will maintain the LHTS blog, it will be scaled down to really only post pictures of, and scheduling for, tea events. Instead, I am focusing exclusively on creating a viable online presence as an artist. My website is nearly finished and with that there will be a new blog which will be published on August 9 called The Muse Within. This will be where I showcase my artwork,writing about the creative process, and all that inspires.

For those of you who have been so faithful and supportive at the Tea Society Blog, thank you. I do hope you will also join me at The Muse Within.

BLOGGING BREAK


(View of the East Battery)


(Spire top of St. Michael's Church..The Holy City)



(Cherry Grove Beach, South Carolina )


Hello Friends...Well, it's time for a bit of a blogging break...I will be away this weekend through next week but hope to resume regular blogging when I return. It's time to spend a couple of days in my favorite Southern City, Charleston, South Carolina, and then a week up the coast at Cherry Grove Beach. Farewell, for now...and enjoy lots of iced tea while you eagerly wait for the temperatures to cool.

CREATIVE TUESDAYS: SNACK




It's a new week and another CT offering for this summer. The theme for this one was snack. I snack on chex mix but didn't feel inspired to draw that. However, I also love to snack on fruit and figured a couple of Bing cherries might work well for this. I used pen and ink again, my current favorite medium, and drew and shaded with stippling. There's some line drawing found around the stems and the form of the cherries. It's fun to alternate from line to stippling to give it a bit more depth and to play with the values in an unusual way.

Make sure to check out all the CT entries and look for the montage this week to see what the new theme will be.

Happy snacking!

CREATIVE TUESDAYS

( Nevermore: The Raven's Nook- Pen and Ink illustration on Arches cold-pressed watercolor paper)

Here is my Creative Tuesday offering for "Nook"...Granted, it isn't a conventional nook or cranny. However, it is to this 'Raven' who is perched in its own nouveau tree nook. The Raven, by Edgar Allen Poe was of course the inspiration behind the drawing.

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
`'Tis some visitor,' I muttered, `tapping at my chamber door -
Only this, and nothing more.'

NATIONAL ICED TEA MONTH

( Google Images)

June has arrived again and it's time for all the iced tea drinkers in the Blogosphere to celebrate this National Iced Tea month. I can't think of a better way to pay homage than to delve into the history of the beverage. Just how, when, and why did someone come up with this idea?


19th Century

1800's - English and American cookbooks state that tea has been served cold at least since the early nineteenth century, when cold green tea punches, that were heavily spiked with liquor, were popularized. The oldest recipes in print are made with green tea and not black tea and were called punches. The tea punches went by names such as Regent's Punch, named after George IV, the English prince regent between 1811 until 1820, and king from 1820 to 1830.

By the middle of the nineteenth century, American versions of this punch began to acquire regional and even patriotic names, such as Charleston's St. Cecilia Punch (named for the musical society whose annual ball it graced), and Savannah's potent version, Chatham Artillery Punch.

Iced tea's popularity parallels the development of refrigeration: the ice house, the icebox (refrigerator), and the commercial manufacture of pure ice, which were in place by the middle of the nineteenth century. The term "refrigerator" was used for the first patented ice box in 1803 and was common in the mid 19th century in the United States.

( Above information is taken from an article by Linda Stradley at What's Cooking America. )


The general consensus seems to be that Iced Tea was popularized(not invented as has been mistakenly attributed) at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis. According to "legend", the heat was so sweltering at the event that visitors passed on the offer of free hot tea. It was then that a tea vendor ran tea through iced pipes to cool and chill the beverage. When people heard that there was free "cold" tea offered they eagerly tried this new way of serving their favorite beverage. The rest, as they say, is history.

I must admit, I prefer hot tea over iced. I know to some that is a bit of a sacrilege for anyone born south of the Mason Dixon Line. However, in spite of my affinity for the hot brew, during the summer months there's always fresh iced sweet tea available around here and I certainly enjoy more than my fair share. Cheers everyone!