Uphill idealist

I think I've found home. Seriously. Only in England do they combine the wonders of tea, a humanitarian effort and W allace and Gromit . I do believe it's time for a holiday and a spot of tea, Yorkshire Tea .

I'm a little teapot, short and stout Here is my handle [one hand on hip], here is my spout [other arm out straight] When I get all steamed up, hear me shout Just tip me over and pour me out! [as song ends, lean over and tip arm out like a spout] I'm a clever teapot, yes it's true Here's an example of what I can do I can change my handle to my spout [switch arm positions and repeat tipping motion] Just tip me over and pour me out Here is my simple "tea pot" approach to the meditative meme this week... What has emptied and filled your cup in the last few days? Had anything steamed you up or become obvious of how you are able to pour into someone life? Psalm 62:7-9 (New International Version © 2010) 7 My salvation and my honor depend on God[a]; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. 8 Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Go ahead and sing this little ditty and then tell us about it....

I don't know if you have a Mc Cafe' in your town, but I have one just down the street from my house. As if McDonald's didn't have the corner on the market on the drive-thru meal, they now are working on staking ground on all the sit in/take out coffee shops that many folks know and, despite the $5.00 a cup price tag, love dearly. If you are a fan of the Starbucks Frappuccino , McCafe' is now trying to draw your business by offering their, somewhat cheaper, versions of the same coffee treats you've grown to love. Coffee, or tea, is something that gets people moving as well as brings them together. It's warm, sometimes sweet and creamy, sometimes dark and bold. Coffee has a way of clearing away the cobwebs of the mind, while it's warmth brings comfort and sometimes I'd even say solace. Somehow though, the warmth or comfort of a cup of coffee (wherever you get it from), only lasts as long as some remains in your cup - or you get a refill. The kind of c...

Image found at Kobos Coffee. This weekend is time for me to steep a bit. I'm on retreat and on Friday I was having a hard time disengaging from my life as I know it. I came across a great scripture on my blogging friend Dianne's blog and it hit me right between the eyes. Matthew 6:33-34: Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. (The Message) The first word stands out to me so much. I love tea and know that a good tea needs to steep just right in order to be perfect. Not to short or its weak, not to long or it gets bitter tasting. May I steep in the waters of God in order to be strong, refreshing, fragrant and comforting as a perfect cup of Earl Gray. Just for the fun...

It's my favorite. When I was about 12 I discovered the joy of Earl Grey tea and have loved it ever since. It's comforting, does not make me jittery , and if it's decaf it helps me get close to drinking the fluids doctors say you should every day. Did you know that there is a Tea Appreciation Society ? Indeed there is, and they offer any number of trinkets for the tea lover in your life. For Valentine's Day, they are promoting memberships in the organization that come with a certificate, a tea bag, a note book and some other tea worthy trinkets. Speaking of tea, isn't it about tea time already? "Thank God for tea! What would the world do without tea! How did it exist? I am glad I was not born before tea." - William Gladstone, British Prime Minister.

I think my love of letters and words all began with watching Sesame Street as a small child. Do you recall the animated letter breaks that featured each letter of the alphabet? The bits went something like this , "This episode brought to you by the letter... _____. " I remember waiting anxiously for the letter of my first name to be the sponsor letter. Well, today my friend Libby sent me a quiz based on the first letter of the quiz takers name and it reminded me of the letter fun of Sesame Street. Share your letter proudly, it's a "T"errific day! To play, copy your own note, erase my answers, enter yours, and tag 10 people. Use the first letter of your name to answer each of the following questions. They have to be real. . .nothing made up! If the person before you had the same first initial, you must use different answers. You cannot use any word twice and you can't use your name for the boy/girl name question. Have Fun!! 1. What is your name: Tara 2. A fou...