The Far Side of the…

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When I go back in my history of writing, I’m surprised to see that I’ve only made two posts ever about Harney & Sons.   The two posts I’m alluding to can be found here.

Dear friends of mine, whose opinion I value when it comes to tea, always rave about Harney & Sons.   And they don’t really talk about many other brands.

Someone close to me told me that they exclusively only order tea online from them, and they always throw in free samples.  No, not just the baby sized free samples.  We’re talking above and beyond, and in sometimes half dozen quantities.

Here’s more about them and more about the Harney Family themselves.

A company that carries so much prestige and has such an aura about it, doesn’t need to do anything.  Their teas sell themselves.   To go the extra mile, when the tea is already incredible, is not only smart business, but a goodwill gesture where one isn’t necessary.

The act of love and kindness for no reason, is the best reason of all.

With that I bring us to their Paris Tea, and it’s incredible.  This has to be done sooner versus otherwise, as we’re moving into sunnier skies, warmer climates, and that will segue into a different tea drinking experience in the coming months.

However, first things first.   This goes back to February when the days were short, layers were worn, and many a nights turned early, and one would find comfort in the simple things at home.  Well that can happen at any time of year, but the winter may bring hibernation and a time to reflect and prepare for rejuvenation.

I had myself a little getaway.  I got to be in a different part of the state.  I spent time with some dogs I’ve known a long time (and a new friend too), and I got to be one with the universe.  Which means a lot of alone time, which is good in certain doses, in small doses, and not be done too much, or it could become a part of the norm.

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When it comes to tea drinking, I would love to share it with friends  I’ve made many a mention about how good company can make any tea taste that much better.   With the Paris Tea it was as if I was with my friends who lived at the house (even though they were away) were with me and of course my animal friends always liven up the day with their cute, cuddly, and sometimes boisterous ways.

You may have noticed that I’ve barely mentioned how the tea actually tastes, and how marvelous it goes down.  I’m painting a picture, of what I’m not entirely sure.  But that’s my story.  It took little time for that strong black tea color to shine through.  The tea combined with oolong, vanilla, caramel, lemon, and bergamot is out of this world.

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I went to Paris once, but was too young to remember much.  I’m sure I had some tea, but not like this.  This is something out of a picturesque scene with beautiful people sitting around enjoying one another, eating yummy pastry, and having a cup of tea that would be part of their daily routine and feel like home.

Here back home, it feels more like a special occasion which I would like to partake in as much as possible, if not everyday.   Yet it my lose it’s shine or not feel as special.  Maybe, but who cares.  Great tea is great tea, where this goes way past the levels of great, and belongs in its own category.

Word of mouth is an easy thing to fall into.   The consensus is how good Harney & Sons tea is.  The Paris Tea is a reminder of their greatness.   I highly recommend getting some wherever you can, and who knows what amazing samples will come from that.

Which is going to lead to more from this incredible company much sooner than later.  How this is only my third post is beyond me but all that’s about to change.

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Have a good one, and peace be with you….

Ideen

 

 

Feeling Grateful – Part II

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This life is fun and funny at times.  What started out as any other day (and I don’t like days just being ordinary or like ‘any other day’), turned into one that was full of happiness, joy, hope, and many things to look forward to in the present, as well as the future.

But it’s always important to live in the present tense.

As one door opens, so does another, and a return to one of my favorite places in Historic Old Ellicott City, the wonderful Matcha Time Cafe.  I absolutely adore this place.

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I find it so wonderful, that a bonus post, outside of my usual Tuesday style, was absolutely necessary.  Actually none of this is necessary, but to me, it’s important enough to expound upon, especially as the Ellicott City Spring Festival takes place this coming Saturday.

It’s not like business will be slow, or this or any other business needs any more publicity or promotion leading into this weekend.  But that’s not the point.  The point is to promote positivity, support a local business, and support someone who I now consider a friend.

When I made the most incredible and memorable of discoveries back in November of 2016 (story can be found here), of this gift from the universe, I thought that if there is something bigger than us and bigger than this life, this is one way the other side would look like.

I hadn’t introduced myself to the manager, Hatsumi, at the time.  Actually maybe I did after I sat outside in the what was an unseasonably warm yet picturesque day, that gave me one of the best stories, on not just about tea, but about anything.  I got some awesome pictures too. And I say that with confidence, because I haven’t read it since.  I rarely read what I write.  Maybe I’ll go back and see how well that story, among others, has aged.  I bet it’s timeless.  I know it is.

So nearly a year-and-a-half later, my return visit tells a different story, yet it’s all relative, and all means so much.

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I had given a heads up that I was on my way and was greeted with open arms.  That made me feel so good.  On a day where everything felt unique and uncomfortably fantastic at times, it was good to see a familiar face.

After a several minute chat, that became much longer, I got to sample some of the new teas for the season.  I also see that they make dumplings in house, along with so many other amazing foods.  I forgot it’s more than just a cafe.  There’s a delicious and nutritious element to their menu, that must be revisited again.  And no it won’t be another 18 months till the next time.  That’s a guarantee.

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After a few moments of deliberation, I was presented the Masala Chai Latte, and as an added bonus, a gluten free chocolate cake.  Yes it’s as rich as it gets ladies and gentlemen.  And I wouldn’t want it any other way.

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The latte is as gorgeous and splendid as it looks.  It’s a bit heavy and rich, like I said, so sip carefully, slowly, and in peace.  It’s going to wake you up.  And on a day or string of days where I’ve been perpetually exhausted, this was as welcome a beverage as any.

 

ChocolateCakeAnd that cake.  I didn’t know it was gluten free until I was basically full from my tea.  I first thought there’s no way I can have all this.  When I found out it was GF,  there was this open sigh of relief. It was like a weight lifted off my shoulders.

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I enjoyed my cake later, and once again, as beautiful as it looks, it would be a shame not to eat.  It was beautiful.

Everything about this visit was beautiful.

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I’m glad I arrived when I did, right before lunch, as business started to pick up, and the time for conversation was beginning to wane.  But a good hour or so was just enough.  And like I said, I’ll be back much sooner than later.

I see this being more than a trilogy.  I see this being a recurring story, with no timetable, no expectations, just a good time with good people, and some more amazing teas and tasteful bites.

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The way I write this might feel like a transition. And maybe it is.  Maybe I’m projecting, but my intent is to project the good I’m feeling based on not just this visit, but the first one, and so many other invaluable experiences, all for the love of tea.

For more on Matcha Time Cafe click here.

I can’t wait to see where this goes next.

Have a good one, and peace be with you…

Ideen

 

 

 

 

 

There’s Room For Everyone

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As promised (in a different universe, or the same one depending on how you look at it), I wanted to dedicate my last of the two posts to Syriana Cafe & Gallery, to not just a off-the-charts tea, but also a wonderful experience that only gets better with time.

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Since this writing, their official grand opening has taken place.  I wish I was able to attend, but the timing of things and life prevented me from doing so.  But I’m grateful to have made the serendipitous visit last Thursday.  And it’s truly an honor to come up with two stories based on what is hopefully he the first of many stops to this majestic place.

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I’ll admit I’ve fallen into patterns like so many of us do.  I find myself in routines, going to the same places, ordering the same things, and wondering what’s wrong with me.  Literally I go through this mantra in my head from time-to-time.  And there’s nothing wrong with me, or you, or anyone.  We like what we like.   But I don’t like a lot of routine.

Even if it’s the same cup of coffee, I rather get it from a different place, just to keep a level of sanity.   But you know what the say about insanity.  Well somebody somewhere said something.

A place like Syriana Cafe is the complete opposite of the norm.  It’s a an art gallery, cafe, and a place of rest.  It’s so much more on top of all that.   It’s the type of experience that I’d want to be a part of on a regular basis, that would never be the same and never get old.

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That comes from the breakfast pizza I ordered, along with this stellar Hibiscus, Citrus, and Mint tea from Hooyo’s Tea, based out of Baltimore, MD.

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For more on Hooyo’s Tea, here is their story, teas available for purchase online, where you can find their teas, and contact information.

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I was informed that Syriana Cafe has an agreement with the tea company, which is a win win for everyone.  Local supporting local is what life is all about.   And I’m all about it…

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But this tea is the perfect preview of sunnier and happier days ahead.  And I know they’re coming.  In my heart and mind they’re here and they’ve always been here.  A tea with this soul, this spirit, and not to mention the color, flavor, and aftertaste brings all the feelings and emotions of all that is good in the universe.

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The synopsis is here so I don’t need to go into that detail.  I can only envision how great this would be iced.  Yum.

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When enjoyed in a setting such as this, with so many beautiful visual cues, a powerful and vibrational energy, and a picturesque town such as Ellicott City, it’s the stuff you read or see about, but also know it exists.

I want to thank the owner, Majd, for chatting with me for a few minutes, and giving me a bit of history in how this cafe came to be.

By looks of the grand opening, there’s nothing but a warm embrace and support from not only the neighborhood, but the town, and Howard County.   As I said in the title, there’s room for everybody.  One successful local business can only benefit the other ones surrounding it.   I know success, prosperity, and all around great things are to come for this place.

From one event such as the grand opening leads into another….

SpringFest 2018 is this Saturday, which is in conjunction with Earth Day, is a celebration of the town, celebration of Spring, and a celebration of all that is good.   Admission is free, and it’s one where I hopefully will be able to attend.   All the information you need can be found here.

This was tremendous.   I don’t know where to go from here.  Actually yes I do.  If time is allowed, I may do another post this week (and when I post outside of Tea Tuesday, you know it means something) on this beautiful town and in celebration of the upcoming festival.

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Have a blessed one.

Ideen

Pick A Tea, Any Tea…

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Wish all the teas out there in the world, and in the universe, I question to myself why I don’t write about a different tea or brand, every week, or more often than that. There’s so much left to be written about.  And I could say, I’ll get to it or when I get around to it, but there’s no guarantee.  Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.  And as much as I like to diversify, sometimes it’s important to talk about what brought me here or what’s been sentimental to my life.

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Which brings me back to Baltimore Coffee and Tea.   My history can be found here.  While some things remain constant, the location changes.  And a serendipitous discovery of their new Hanover, MD location, brought a smile to my face upon finding this gem.

Here is their tea collection, which is available for purchase online, and their list of stores. 

Now was it a gem, or am I just happy to be and go somewhere new?  Well yes.

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And while the surrounding area leaves much to be desired, as it’s pretty corporate, vacant, and transparent; the coffee shop itself is a little oasis within all the nonsense.  And that actually makes this store all that more important.

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The interior is fresh, new, and there’s a good aura.  So thing are looking promising.  What makes this place so endearing is they always have random packs of tea on display for steeping.  And you can open up any box you want, if you’re curious of a trying a tea in house, as opposed to taking a whole package home.  It’s the little things, that are much bigger in the long term, and make me and so many others want come back.

I also just think it’s a cool thing to do and I’m grateful they offer any tea to try.   It opens up the possibilities.

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This is where I should take more advantage of my opportunities.  But for some reason, another familiar face is my go to when I’m here.   What can I say, I’m loyal to the Eastern Shore Tea Company, which is the most prominent tea on display for trying a cup versus taking a whole box home.

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The African Red Bush and Lemongrass is the first tea I noticed, so instead of overthinking and wondering if I should try something else (and then 20 minutes later, still not make up my mind), I went with my first instinct.

And this is a great tea.  I had a small table off to the side to steep my bag, and enjoy the view.   As you can see the view is heavenly.  All those amazing teas that I hope to try, have tried, and will try down the line.   There’s plenty of time.  Let’s see if I can get to them all.

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The blend of Rooibos and Organic Lemongrass is the calming aid that was welcome.  I don’t recall in a state of chaos or feeling busy that day.  But anything that enhances, enables, and enriches peace is always a blessing.  This is what this tea did.

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Now that muffin wasn’t anything special, but I won’t hold that against them.  It’s about the tea, the experience, and all those little things I referenced earlier.

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This is a well crafted and designed tea.  No it’s not the best ever, but they’re all not going to be.  But I enjoyed it and I enjoyed the beautiful day, and felt gratitude being in a new location with new surroundings.

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As the weather improves, you know there will be more of the iced tea discussion, but I’m grateful for hopefully a couple more months of the hot stuff.  Because that’s the stuff that made me a fan of tea to begin with.

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Have a blessed one.

Ideen

 

Spring In Your Step

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As the title might imply, I’m waiting.  A lot of us are waiting.  Depending on where you are in the country or in the world, you’re waiting for the weather to break.  This might be an extended April Fools joke.  No, I won’t go for that.

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What isn’t a joke is the the Organic Cinnamon Cardamom from the new Teahouse Organic Collection from one of my favorites, Celestial Seasonings.

For more on their teas, you can purchase them online, or at a store near you, and finally my long storied love of their teas can be found here.

I’m grateful to a friend for sending me information and a visual on this tea, because who knows when I would have discovered it, or ever gotten around to it.

The answer is now.

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My favorite teas are the ones that pack up so much that involve so little.  All this tea contains is in the title, organic cinnamon and organic cardamom.

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You know when you have a sense of how good a tea is going to be, before you even open it?  That packaging evokes positive energy, spirit, and healing.  Which is what is always needed, even if isn’t actually needed it.

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Right now I can only speak for myself, but I can use all the spiritual healing I can get.

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The sun is trying to show itself,  it really is.  I know we’re waiting.  It changes so many things.  The sun peaking its head here and there is such a tease.  It’s a sign of hopefully good things to come, but I want more.  I know many of us want more.

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Looking at the teacup half full, grey skies make for the best pictures.  So there’s that.  I’m happy with how mine turned out.

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My displays are celebrations of so many things good, including this tea.    In case you didn’t notice, I love animals.  In fact, I adore them.   So both cups on display are ones I’ve used before, but I’m honoring how much I love my cat, and how much she’s been there for me for this ongoing love of tea (and my other blogs, which you can find here and here), and being there for me period.

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She’s laying on my lap as I write this story out.  That makes me feel so happy.  This tea makes me so happy.   The simple blend of cinnamon and cardamom makes both tastes distinct, noticeable, without having one trying to outdo the other.  They work in perfect harmony and concert with one another to make for another perfect tea.   I tend to say that a lot  about teas, and I’ve elaborated on the elaboration in the past but it rings true, this tea is incredible, along the lines of so many teas I’ve had while doing this blog.

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And there’s no right or wrong to that.  I love this tea.  I mean, I really love this tea.  I love it so much.  This celebration of all things good is that step into spring that’s always welcome.  I was about to say needed, but ‘needed’ again sounds like something is lacking, and that’s not what I’m trying to say.   It’s what’s welcomed and what embraced.   I’m feeling the joy, the love, and energy emanating from this tea and the symbols I’ve placed side by side.

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Yes I love dogs too.  The cups and plates are gifts from friends, along with gifts to myself.

This tea is a gift from a friend, from the universe, and from myself.  Which we all are worthy of as much as possible.  In the grayest of times or even the happiest of times it’s always important to appreciate and open yourself up to everything around you.

I’ve been hesitant lately and have this ongoing match in my head about what’s right, what to welcome, and hopefully what fades away.

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This tea and this experience was more about spiritual healing and accepting all that is sacred, and that is good in the universe.  Because there’s so much more than I realize, and will never realize.  But that’s ok.   It’s not about getting there or some journey to destination scenario.   It just is.  I need to just be.

Just be….

Sigh.

 

Ideen