Sally asked us this week for our Focusing on Life challenge to think about when the last time was that we took a few moments to ourselves? Something that you do without feeling guilty, to recharge just a little. 
I had to think about it. Most of the things that came to mind involved my kids. And as much as I love being with my kids, that isn't always 'me time' exactly. The more I thought about it the more I realized that there is one time each week that is for me. Where I sort of half listen, and get into my own 'zone.' That is Saturday morning, with a cuppa tea and perusing my favorite blogs. I put on the kettle and make a pot of my favorite tea: which happens to be Russian Caravan. This flavor actually originates from China in the 19th century. The camel caravans for the transcontinental tea trade would make passage through the cold dry climate of Mongolia and Siberia as a sea voyage through the tropical seas would ruin the flavor of the tea. As the caravan made it's way the tea would be unloaded nightly and take on the smoky taste of the campfires. It isn't a flavor for everyone, but I LOVE it.
So when my kids come tapping on Saturday morning .... unless there is bleeding involved or some other type of mishap ... they wait for me to finish at least one cup of tea in my favorite mug. And then, the doctor is in.
Quick addition to this post. Kashmira asked what was on the cup, and its meaning. The word is Suomalainen which means to be Finnish, in Finn. The word Suomi is Finland in Finn, which is what it originates from. I bought this mug in my hometown where the local population is roughly 70% Scandinavian, of which most are Finns.
I love your tea cup. I also love my tea in the mornings (and evenings). There is something about a nice steaming cup. Wonderful photo.
ReplyDeleteOh, Cynthia, we are girls of the same heart...I am a mug ADDICT and a tea granny as well...this sounds like heaven! Great photo!
ReplyDeleteMmm tea.. Me time is when I'm totally engrossed in some craft project -- not for a customer, or the kids -- but just because.
ReplyDeleteAs always, there is some new knowledge I gained here! Who would even associate tea with Russia?
ReplyDeleteVery sweet post, Cynthia :)
And oh, cute mug! What does it say and what does that mean?
ReplyDeleteI like your use of the film sprocket frame on your simple, yet evocative picture. Enjoy your tea!
ReplyDeleteCynthia I love my visits with you...I always learn a wonderful tidbit of information. Here is to you enjoying tomorrow morning!
ReplyDeleteSounds lovely...and love the processing you did on this photo...as well as the new tea suggestion!! Sounds like I would love it too!!! Have a wonderful week...
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely mug! Enjoy your tea moment in the morning. =)
ReplyDeleteThat's a cool mug and very interesting tidbit about the tea. I'm a tea gal too!
ReplyDeleteRussian Caravan sounds so exotic :) I am a big believer in taking time for ourselves. My children are all grown up now, so it's a lot easier for me than it used to be, but I think you just have to make the time - even when they are little. I know it helped me stay sane (well, sort of, lol!)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great mug - did you buy it in Finland? And very interesting story about that tea!
ReplyDeleteMy "me time" is usually Sunday mornings :)
tea is a fascinating subject, isn't it? hope you enjoyed it especially this morning :)
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I'm a tea lifer, currently enjoying a jasmine pearl and earl grey brew
ReplyDeleteI am a tea lover as well. I buy loose oolong tea leaves from a chinese restaurant locally and brew it in an old fashioned percolator to extract every drop! I will have to check that link to Russian Caravan, sounds intriguing, the story behind it is wonderful! I love the photo and the framing you gave it.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, thanks for the link to Peets tea Shop as well.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful picture! I am a coffee drinker, but have recently tried to incorporate tea. Thanks for the link for the "new flavor"! Enjoy your Saturday morning!
ReplyDeletesounds tasty! Surfing blogs on a saturday morning - wow thats exactly what I'm doing right now!
ReplyDeleteSounds absolutely blissful Cynthia and I do so love the little cultural snippets that come with your blog posts - so enriching.
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing your tea lore. sounds so deliciously warm and full of adventure. A great weekly ritual, your cup of tea.
ReplyDeleteCynthia, I always look forward to your posts, I love that you give the most interesting "backstory" to what you are posting about! Glad you get to zone out for awhile!
ReplyDeleteLove your mug!
What a great way to take time for yourself--catching up on blogs and drinking your favorite tea. I loved reading how the tea got its flavor while making its way on the transcontinental tea trade route.
ReplyDeleteI love your photo, and the mug! Sitting down with a nice cup of tea would be perfect for me time. It was wonderful reading the story behind your tea.
ReplyDeleteits important to find time for yourself. Great post love the teacup too. Thank you for sharing at the hop xo
ReplyDeleteLove your post today and how you take time each week w/your tea and blogs (same here!!) and that the kidlets know to wait till you're finished! Love the photo and I'm glad you told us about the mug,...and the tea, too. I found that very interesting and now want to try a cup myself!
ReplyDeleteLove your photo of the mug and its meaning! Thanks for sharing that bit of history on tea trade - never knew that!
ReplyDeleteI was reading through the posts and stopped laughing at Kashmira's question about associating tea with Russians. For me - tea is Russian and English (which, of course - really means China and India) and my mom's herbal blends.
ReplyDeleteI thought about the tea moment - but that's not really 'me time', as our son took into seeping tea once in a while with mom. We have matching sets of cups (gorgeously hand-painted with cherry blossoms) and containers of mostly green and white teas with various flavours. It really expanded in a small 'tea ritual' =)
Love your post - and the pieces of knowledge you share for us to learn.
So important to take morning cup of tea or coffee and get your batteries recharged!
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful that you take some time for yourself. My kids are big now, so it's very easy to do so. But even when they were little, I made sure to do something that was just for me. We all need a little 'me' time.
ReplyDeleteI'm the same way, I love relaxing, reading blogs and enjoying a cuppa :) (mine's coffee)
ReplyDeleteThat tea sounds delicious, and you are so well versed in its history. Can tell you love doing research. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteTea sounds delightful! I should start getting up before the children and I may get some time to my self. For coffee/tea.. Beautiful picture!
ReplyDeleteAfter clicking on the Peet's link I am intrigued by this tea and will have to look for it! Jim likes unique teas as well so I bet we would enjoy it too! Me time is difficult to come by but is really is important for our sanity!!! Luckily your kids respect your tea time. :)
ReplyDeleteMy mom was a huge drinker of tea and I never really was fond of it until recently. I must admit that I do love alone time now with a cup of Tea. Great story of the caravan voyage of that tea!
ReplyDeleteIt is so important to get that "me" time! We're huge fans of tea over here, too.
ReplyDeleteI know very little about the teas I drink beyond their yummy factor, so I really enjoyed the history behind your favorite tea and your beautiful mug! I hope your morning "me time" today was perfect.
ReplyDeleteOooh a smoky taste in tea. It sounds like something I would like! My kids know to follow a similar rule for me in the morning with my one cup of strong coffee. I start my tea drinking in the afternoon or evening. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteTracy
Very cool picture and story, I am a tea drinker as well, but usually in the afternoon.
ReplyDeleteI also am a tea drinker. I have green tea in the afternoon most days.
ReplyDeleteHi Cynthia,
ReplyDeleteOh I love a good cup of tea. I am so glad that you get to enjoy at least one cup of tea on Saturday mornings before the world comes crashing in.
I enjoyed learning the history behind your favorite tea.
Therese
Your tea sounds very interesting! I would love to try it! I love tea!! Something very soothing about it ;o) Have a great day ;o)
ReplyDeleteMakes me want a cuppa tea! I'm home alone most of the time but every day about 9am I make a cuppa tea and feel rejuvenated even with work waiting to be done.
ReplyDeleteWonderful! I had this great mug, gift from a neighbor when I was very young. I always used it. When I moved out my mum went to give it to me and I said, no it should stay here. It's always special that my dad brings after dinner coffee to me in MY mug, everytime without fail. (It totally looks like it belongs to a 7 year old too lol). Sounds like you've got clever kiddos to let you enjoy
ReplyDeletei love tea! great story!!
ReplyDeleteI love the tea story. And your Saturday morning ritual. Sitting with a cup of tea is my thing too.
ReplyDeleteYou can read my week 3 blog at http://www.emakdesigns.com/blog. My ID is going to point to my old blog.
That is also how I spend my mornings. I just have a fur baby, as you can see on my post, so I have a bit more time to spare. Of course coffee would be in my cup!
ReplyDeleteI love what you wrote on your last paragraph it certainly made me giggle!
ReplyDeleteI have a hard time finding time for myself. But right now as I read blogs my kiddos are eating leftover cake and ice cream sandwiches from Sophia's Birthday celebration...it's Sunday right?
Hope you are enjoying your weekend~
There's just something so soothing about a nice cup of tea! I love how you've captured that with your great photo.
ReplyDeleteI am all about my coffee, when I lived in England I tried the tea, but just couldn't get into it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely way to start your Saturday!
ReplyDeleteValerie
Everyday Inspired
Ooh Tea! I don't drink enough of it. I got a new K-cup coffee maker. I like that I can have one cup at a time. I will have to find some more exotic teas to have on hand as it makes hot water in a flash. Thanks for sharing! Yet another overlooked idea for treating myself! Enjoy the day. Erin
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely ritual and a lovely story!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the history of your tea, I found myself imagining a night by the campfire surrounded by bales of tea.
I love that you said "as long as no one is bleeding"...spoken like a true mom! I savor my coffee and tes everyday it is the act of taking time for yourself and giving yourself a breather.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a really yummy way to start the weekend. . .except for the bleeding. That's not so great.
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