Saturday Surfing

The cup of tea on arrival at a country house is a thing which, as a rule, I particularly enjoy. I like the crackling logs, the shaded lights, the scent of buttered toast, the general atmosphere of leisured cosiness. P.G. Wodehouse

What is it about tea that the very idea of it invokes crackling fires, and comfort, quilts, and cozy, country homes? I think part of the popularity of tea in the 21st century is a desire that most of us have for some imagined cozy retreat that exists on the edge of our imaginations…that place we aspire to and wish to inhabit “some day”.  The women we wish to be..someday. The painting above hangs over the fireplace in my bedroom. I painted it in the late 1980s..I know it says 1995..forgive me…I lost track of time.  It is the cozy cottage that I aspire to, the place I retreat to in my mind and my thoughts, the place where the “perfect” me is womanly, sweet, and quiet spirited, where I am a size 6 forever…The kitchen where I wear and apron, and my hair is not graying.It is the place I go when I drink tea.

Do you have a place like that? An imaginary in your mind perfect someday cottage?

Today’s surfing is all about tea.  Please, grab a cup and enjoy….

If you can’t find a clean spoon you may want to have one of these cups.

If you are in your late forties, or early fifties, you probably smoked at one time or another …or at least carried a pack of cigarettes around because you thought you would look older and more cool. Now you can have all the cool without the cancer… and indulge your tea habit as well.

If you collect tea things Tea Sets World is a unique spot that allows you track various auctions that include only tea things.

If you are searching for a tea room in your area the Tea Guide is a great place to check. Be careful though, as I was looking through I realized that MY tea room was still listed and it has been out of business for two years. Sometimes when you are dealing with business loss it is hard to remember to update these listings,so always call ahead.

I like checking around Etsy for cute things. This adorable crocheted tea set at DeliciousCrochet’s shop is perfect for little girls to have tea…Cookies, tea cups, tea pot..and more.

Miss Sandy at Quill Cottage celebrates her 100th post. She is a thoughtful blogger with some beautiful thoughts, as well as images on her blog.Congrats Miss Sandy!

Chrissy has some great Mother’s Day ideas on her blog! I can’t believe we are so close to Mother’s Day. I lose track since both my parents, and inlaws are gone. I don;t have to think about it anymore.

Carrie at Oak Rise Cottage has some great ideas (and images) for displaying everyday dishes rather than hiding them away.

I had great fun joining in Gracious Hospitality’s Blog-a-thon this past week. Next week’s theme is Sweet-and-Savory-of-Yummy recipes. I don’t think it is too late to join in.

Rosemary’s  Sampler has some great recipes for natural cleaners to celebrate earth day. I use similar recipes, adding essential oils for scent.  My signature scent for my home is tangerine and rose otto.  These smell wonderful together as well as having the reputation of being calming and cheering. I like my house to be calm and cheerful!

Peggy, at The Simple Woman, has begun a Monday meme., called The Simple Woman’s DayBook.  It is a beautiful meme, and if you need a thoughtful pause in your life to remember who  it is that you are, and to reconnect with the You that is not mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend…you may like to do this. I may begin it myself on Monday, who knows…I would have to remember who I am first. :/

I hope you enjoyed today’s surfing as much as I did.