Greetings! ...from Kimberly Shaw

History of My Pink Christmas Tree

I caught a glimpse of this tree tucked behind some shrubs driving past a yard sale.  I was with my husband coming from a nursery with 3 fruit trees in the back of the truck. I hollered, "Turn around!" Hubby asked, "What?" I said, "You'll see..." Now I did what every good garage-saler tells you not to do. I excitedly walked up to the lady selling this tree and told her I thought her tree was amazing. When I asked how much she said, "$20, it was once a Macy's display tree." Having just $20 left from buying the three real trees I purchased this fake 7.5 foot pre-lit tree in pink.  With a bit of remorse from my neighbor's reaction that I probably spent too much, hubby decided to looked them up on line.  At Treetopia.com they were on sale for $289 from their original price of $569, but this size is now sold out. I feel better now and happy to have it, if for nothing else seeing the reaction of those who see it for the first time is priceless.

Pink Teacup Christmas Tree

My newly acquired 7' tall pink Christmas tree gets the same reaction as seeing an elderly woman at the hair salon who just had a pink rinse put in her gray hair.  It's one of those take-a-deep-breath-before-you-exclaim reactions until your brain can conceive what your eyes are showing it.

But I like it in my studio with my vintage Christmas balls I found last year hanging with my collection of Demitasse teacups on the tree.

I even cut out some images from a few of my Teacup Greeting cards to add to the tree.

 

Wishing you some unexpected surprises mixed with tons of fun and good cheer while huddled close to those you love enjoying a cup of tea, hot cider, or cocoa.

Christmas day is almost here and I'm nowhere close to being ready, but no worries. The 12 days of Christmas begin on December 25th which means I can extend my Christmas to January 5th!

The Miracle of Hanukkah

While I am not Jewish, I do love and appreciate the miracle God performed for those Jews who trusted in Him against great odds.  About 2200 years ago, Greek kings reigning from Damascus ruled over the land of Judea and the Jewish people living there.  Antiochus Epiphanes, a Greco-Syrian king, forbid the Jewish people from praying to their God, practicing their customs, and studying their Torah.  He placed an idol of the Greek God Zeus on the alter in the Jewish Holy Temple in Jerusalem forcing the Jews to worship the Greek god. 

In response to this persecution, Judah Maccabee and his four brothers organized a group of resistance fighters known as the Maccabees. They fought against paganism and oppression. The tenacity of the rebels, which came from their steadfast faith in one God, is the reason this military victory has been so celebrated by Jews in future generations. In one battle near Beit Horon, Judah's small army is intimidated by the size of the Greco-Syrian army and Judah tells the Jews to have faith that God is on their side:

But when they saw the army coming to meet them, they said unto Judah: 'What? shall we be able, being a small company, to fight against so great and strong a multitude? ...' And Judah said: 'It is an easy thing for many to be shut up in the hands of a few, and there is no difference in the sight of Heaven to save by many or by few; for victory in battle standeth not in the multitude of an host, but strength is from Heaven. They come unto us in fullness of insolence and lawlessness, to destroy us and our wives and our children, for to spoil us; but we fight for our lives and our laws. And He Himself will discomfort them before our face; but as for you, be yet not afraid of them." (The First Book of Maccabees)

According to tradition, when the Maccabees entered the Holy Temple, they discovered that the Greco-Syrians had defiled the oil which was used for the Temple's menorah. Only one vat of purified oil remained. A miracle occurred when one day of oil burned for eight days. This is why the Hanukkah Menorah has eight candles (not including the shamash candle used to light the others) and why Jews celebrate Hanukkah for eight days.   Against great odds, after three years of fighting, the Maccabees succeeded to drive the Greco-Syrians out of Judea. Hanukkah proclaims the message of the prophet Zachariah: "Not by might, not by power, but by My spirit." The Maccabees reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, removing the Greek symbols and statues. When Judah and his followers finished cleaning the temple, they rededicated it. On the 25th day of the month of Kislev in 164 BCE, the Temple was purified and rededicated.

Hanukkah began this year at sundown on Friday December 11th and continues until the 19th.  This history is taken from different sources, please feel free to share any other part of this story you know. I would also appreciate knowing any of your traditions when celebrating Hanukkah.

My Hanukkah Teacup Greeting card was fun and challenging to paint as I worked out the different ways to incorporate the Menorah, Dradle, Dove and the Jewish star. It comes with a Harrisons & Crosfield Forrest Berries tea inserted in the tea pot.

WARNING!!! Merchants & Women

A person going by the name WILLEM ADDEY is making FRAUDULENT Credit Card Transactions from merchants of internet sites requesting product be sent NEXT DAY Delivery logging in with the email: willem_addey200o@yahoo.com.  The purchaser is using credit card information fraudulently aquired from women to purchase product for other women in a different States or area. The women who receive the merchandise are later asked their personal information.  We have been targeted three times.  The purchaser, ie: Willem Addey, has clamed to be doing business in London, with IP address from Africa and Dallas, Texas.  The name KEN SAVAGE also came up as the email sender name.

Vintage Aqua Christmas Ornament

A vintage aqua Christmas ornament I found last year is now hanging on a pink Christmas tree I found last Saturday.  

I'm a Little Tea Pot Short & Stout

Christmas teapots, who can resist them?

Aren't these mini teapots adorable?

I can't decided if this cute pink teapot with the pink roses in the center or the blue teapot with the roses in the white stripes is my favorite.

And then there's this cheery yellow and red teapot that reminds me of Summer.

 

Best little gift for girls of all ages, these adorable tea pots are very affordable.
   Available in my Store for only $7.

All iN THE hOUSE

Spending time with family and friends, old and new, enjoying warm scones, Holiday tea, and a generous amount of delightful conversation, it was the best Open House I’ve ever had.  This year a bit of hail and rain kept us huddled together longer enjoying more tea and eating more scones which were baked fresh throughout the day.

You've seen most of my cards and stationery so I’d like to show you what my friends brought to the party.  Georgia made these adorable doily garlands with red and green bias tape which she hung on the fireplace mantle.

Georgia's gorgeous cone-shaped paper ornaments were a hit. These 5 beauties will be hung on my Christmas tree this year, which will be perfect for adding a little surprise treat inside for the kiddos.

Sandi May brought me these deliciously gorgeous Christmas cookies. They looked too just pretty eat, but once I did, they were delightful. 

The Ginger Santas were my favorite and the Anise Shortbread Cookies were Steve’s favorite. 

Her new company, “Ivy Hill, Seasonal Baked Goods” is just starting up and I can tell she is off to a great start. Her website will be up soon, but in the mean time if you would like to inquire about this season’s cookies you can contact Sandi May at Bakers@Ivy-Hill.com. Sandi also brought her daughter who I discovered is a blogging buddy at Wild Oak Cottage. She wrote a wonderful write-up of my open house, thanks Machelle!

Sherry Evans was there signing her new book “Afternoon Tea in Southern California.” 

Her book is amazing and to hear her share about all the tea rooms she and her mom visited in order to write this book was impressive. I bragged to guests about all the wonderful tea rooms they could now find in her book, plus the fabulous tea room recipes they could try, with places to jot down the memories of their visit, then Sherry would add, “…and Kim’s artwork is in it.”  I noticed her book was mostly purchased in pairs, one to keep and the other as a gift for a sister, friend, or mom.  To purchase the book for yourself or as a gift find it at Sisters Forever Publishing. Her mom and dad came also. I think I heard her dad and my dad talking about old cars.

New Christmas tablecloths were needed this year so I decided to make my selections of vintage Christmas tablecloths on Etsy.

I contacted each of the shops who had tablecloths I loved and asked if they could send them off within a couple of days for my big event. They all responded quickly and a stack of packages all arrived in a few days. “THANK YOU” to all the Etsy shops: AnitasAntiquities, The Vintage Mercantile, The Cherry Chic, Grams Textiles, and Cheeky Vintage Closet.

Giving Thanks

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise; be thankful unto Him, and bless his name. Psalm 100:4

Happy Thanksgiving, friends!!!

My favorite holiday! Family, friends, and food all gathered together. That's a lot to be thankful for!

Georgia's Christmas Ornaments

Isn't this Christmas Ornament dreamy? Georgia will be bringing her hand made one of a kind ornaments to my Open House this Saturday Nov 28th. These pretty paper cones are perfect for adding a special treat inside to give as a gift. She will be covering her feather tree with a wonderful selection in different colors and designs. I can't wait to see them all.

For those of you who can't make it to our Open House Sale in person, we will be having an online SALE in my Store at www.teacupcards.com on Saturday ONLY from 12 am-12 midnight. All my Teacup Greeting cards and Stationery will be 1/2 OFF for 24 hours. For more info on my once a year Open House Sale scroll down a few post

Afternoon Tea in Southern California

It was an exciting day when copies of this amazing new book arrived at work, hot off the press!  Georgia, Steve and I sat in a circle each with a copy in hand shouting out all the wonderful things we discovered: delicious tea sandwich, scone & soup recipes, tea rooms close by, and images of my artwork inside. 

Sherry Evans,  pictured above with her mom,  has beautifully produced and written this wonderful book.  The best part, she has agreed to come for a book signing at my Open House next Saturday!

With my cup tea at hand, I'll reveal a few of the pages inside.

 

 
Sherry is a delightful woman who trusted in the Lord as He has guided her in producing this book which, as she says, "...my purpose is to encourage you, the tea lover, to discover the many places that serve afternoon tea in Southern California." Find her book at www.AfternoonTeaInSouthernCalifornia.com or come  meet Sherry yourself next Saturday, Nov 28th, 10am-4pm at my annual Open House Sale (all my products are 1/2 off) and Tea Tasting. I'll have all the teas out that we use in our cards and stationery for you to try along with fresh baked scones and homemade jams. Scroll down to the next post for more info....

You're Invited, Please Join Us

click on the images to see at full size & read the info easier

Just wanted to extend an Invitation to come by for a visit at my once a year Open House & Tea Tasting Event. It would be great to meet you and chat over tea and fresh baked scones with my homemade Pomegranate Jelly, Strawberry Fig Jam, or Lemon Curd.  You'll have an opportunity to browse all my Teacup Greeting Cards & Stationery in person, at 1/2 OFF, and see where all the action takes place.  The pretty tea accessories and yummy teas we offer in my online Store will also be available. Curios? Check out my post of LAST YEAR'S EVENT.

Georgia will be making her gorgeous handmade Christmas ornaments and I've invited a couple other guest to join us, too. It's always fun, and this year I'm anticipating the cozier setting now that we are no longer in the the old warehouse.

Tea Room

Original 10"x14"  Watercolor                             copyright Kimberly Shaw 2009

I decided my Tea Room, actually my pantry that holds all the tea I use for my Stationery, needed a little something to state it's purpose since all that's in it is tea.  The color I used is Winsor & Newton's "Rose Madder" painted on Arches 140 pound Hot Press watercolor paper.

 
I re-purposed an old frame and spent the day playing with my paints. I then cut out the teacup from my Pansy Thank You card, made it look like it's hanging from the "a", and added painted a bit of shadow.

 

My pantry has Harney & Son's Teas on the left and Harrisons & Crosfield Teas on the right.  I love this pantry. It's one of the reasons why I fell in love with this home.

If you'd like to see my Tea Pantry in person, Saturday November 28th from 10am- 4pm I open my doors for our annual Open House & Tea Taisting.  Last years event was at my old warehouse so I am looking forward to a cozier setting with the fireplace on if it's chilly and friends filling the rooms with their stories and laughter as they sip warm tea.  Oh, yea, there will also be fresh baked scones with my homemade pomagranate jelly and lemon curd.  Keep posted, more details coming next time...

November Sale

For November's SALE I asked myself, "What would I want to be on SALE right now?" Christmas Cards!

 

All teacup Christmas and Hanukkah Cards are now HALF OFF! through the end of November in my STORE.

Painted Pony Art Festival

Saturday I went to the Painted Pony Art Festival in Jamul, to do something I haven't done in a very long time.

I set up a canopy, a rack of teacup cards and a table

of other tea party goodies with 20+ other artist

in support of Art in Schools.

My friend Mark, Owner or Mark's Airbrush Artism, was the feature artist displaying motorcycles he painted and 0ne of four painted foals that were auctioned off.  He also demonstrated and shared his amazing airbrush techniques.

There were even four live painted ponies at the festival.

This one was my favorite.

 

Have a blessed week.  Besides working, I'm planning to make jam from the 15 Pomagranates I seeded today, piece my quilt top together that I cut out last week, and finish painting May's page of my 2010 calandar.  

Tea Party Pins & Magnets

The eighth design of my new Pins & Magnets line called "Tea Party" is hot off the press today.  I love the design of the card  Georgia created to hold these festive tea party images together.  It reminds me of a delicious visit to a charming old fashioned candy store that screams, "It's Party time!"

Noveltea Pins & Magnets

Sorry you haven't heard from me for a while. Georgia and I have been busy creating these new pins and Magnets and the little cards they adhere to.  But if I am to be truly honest, Georgia has been busier them me plugging away at her design station, sometimes battling with a computer that wants to crash as soon as a new design is finalized.  But at last, they are here and it's time to celebrate with that bottle of sparkling tea I brought home from Tea an'Tiques Tea Shop.  So, here they are:

 

 

 

I chose the name "Noveltea" for my new line of 1" Pins and Magnets from the definition of "novelty" combined with "Tea". 

novelty (nov' el-tea) n., pl.-teas 1. The quality of being novel; newness. 2. Something new and unusual; an innovation. 3. A small massed-produced article, such as a toy, a trinket.

They are just now being added to my Store, and retail shops have started ordering them. Each set of four is available in either pins for $5 or magnets for $6.

April Sweet Peas

I finally finished April's page for the 2010 calendar I am painting for myself just for fun.

The bee was a last minute add because May's page is going to have a cute little critter I thought I could squeeze one on this page, too.

 

Is anyone else inspired to create your own 2010 calendar? At the rate I'm going I better hurry, only a couple of months left in this year.

Gustad y ved que es bueno Jehova

My Teacup Greeting cards are traveling to El Salvador.

80 of five different card styles were especially made to bless 400 women who will be attending a Missions Tea in San Salvador. Two of each card will be placed on a table that seats ten women, one card at each place setting.

Each card was printed with Psalms 34:8a which says, "Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good." in Spanish of course.

The cards were packed into smaller boxes which will be packed again into extra suitcases that the men agreed to help transport along with all the other goodies for the tea, like teapots, home made lemon curd, cream cheese mints, just to name a few.  I believe four couples are going from two churches to put this 2nd annual Tea together.

 

Georgia in my office also designed a bookmark which is being laminated by one of the women going down there early November.

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Psalm 34:8

Mary Washington House Museum

 This California girl wasn't lucky enough to receive an invitation to George Washington's mother's home, but my teacup cards were.  I just packed a box of teacup greeting cards for the Museum Shop. This was one box I'd like to pack myself in and go for a visit, but for now my little teacups will have to make the journey without me.

So, being a curious girl, I hopped on the web and went for a little journey searching the history of Mary Bell Washington.  Mary Bell married Augustine Washington in 1730 with three of his children from a previous marriage. George was born February 22, 1732. Five more children were born to the Washingtons: Betty, Samuel, John, Augustine, Charles, and Mildred. They lived on a farm until George bought this home for his mon in Fredricksburg after the death of her husband Augustine. Here she could be closer to Betty, receive care and communication as the home was on the Post Road.  Mary lived to see George become President and died later the same year. Your can read more facinating history at the Preservation Virginia website along with Museum hours and information.

Since 1998 my cards have been offered in the Mary Wasington House Museum Shop. I'm very honored  my teacups sit in the midst of all that rich history, & I'm wondering if Mary knew everything George was up to.

 
 

Indian Spice Tea

Harney & Sons Indian Spice Tea is a delightful tasting black tea spiced with cardamon, cinnamon and ginger with a robust aroma similar to India's Chai tea. I think it's perfect for these cool Autumn nights after dinner with a slice of pumpkin bread.

If this sounds mouth watering, I put the remaining few boxes on SALE in my store.  Each box has 20 teabags for only $3.

Meet Mrs. T

Jane Terjung is one of my favorite funny tea writers.  She introduced herself to me as, "A friend of a friend," and I'm so glad she did.  Now that I've gotten to know her I would love to introduce her to you. 

Her bio describes her as struggling with the "joy" of retirement while hiding out with her husband in the artist-strewn organic hills of Topanga, California.  I have my own memories of the windy roads of the Topanga Canyon as a High Schooler on the way to the beach, but telling stories of daring brothers passing cars through narrow tunnels is just too foolish a tale to tell.  I'd rather talk about Jane right now.

Jane is an artist of words with the creative way she vividly illustrates her stories.  She's open and funny, revealing snipits of real life events.  Her articles are wittingly titled, "Dirtea Roots", "TeaVo and Sympathy", "Trim Your Turkey with Tea", and my favorite, "La Tea Da - Steeping at the Ritz-Carlton."   All of Janes articles are found on the T Ching website along with amost everything there is to know about TEA: product reviews, history, news, recipes, earthenware, tea in literature, tea industry, travel, basics & tips. It's a fantastic site and Jane is a wonderful contributor, like a breath of fresh air. You'll also find the T Ching link in the left hand margin of my blog for a quick hop-over for tea info, facts, and articles. Now that you've met Jane, feel free to give her a hearty, "Hidy ho, neighbor."

Photos courtesy of Jane Terjung on the T Ching website, thank you.

Fall's Teacup Card Give Away Winner Is...

This is always the funnest part of having a Give Away, Picking a Winner! I get so excited to see who it will be. To help with this season's pick, I'm using a Milk Glass Chicken I just received as a gift from my daughter.

She knows I love Milk Glass as much as Chickens, the live ones though I don't have any right now on account hubby got a Bird Dog as a pet. So let's get started. I don't use a random number generator because it's just so much fun cutting out each comment, folding them up, and this time each one is going in the belly of the hen for a little shake. No chickens were harmed in the process.

Off comes the lid, Georgia reaches in to selects one, and the winner is

Hurray!!! Helene YOU'RE THE WINNER! Thanks everyone for playing, but DON'T GO AWAY JUST YET. For everyone who played in this Give Away I'll be happy to SEND YOU one of my "Give Thanks" Teacup Greeting cards if you email me your address at kimberlyscottage@att.net just for participating. Helene, don't forget to send me your address, too. 

To conclude today's fun, here's a funny closing poem that JaneT wrote for me. She is hilarious and writes a column at for the T Ching website that you'll want to read each time she submits her wit. I call her the Erma Bombeck of Tea. I especially love her "La Tea Da" story of going to the Ritz. Thanks Jane for the poem:

ODE TO KIMBERLY'S CARDS

There once was a gal from Nantucket
Who brewed all her tea in a bucket
Until that she saw
Cards from Kimberly Shaw
And now it's teacups!
--Who'd a thunk it?

A Winner Will be Announced on Monday

Sunday, October 4th is the last day to leave a comment on my Post Fall Give Away for a chance to win these 12 Fall inspired Teacup Greeting cards & delicious tea to warm you as the nights get cooler.  But don't leave a message here, go HERE and leave a message about what you love best about Autumn by midnight California time and you are entered to win.

Daffodils for March

March's birth flower is the Daffodil. When I think of Daffodils the first thing that comes to mind is William Wordsworth's  poem. When I read it, this image comes to my mind, so for the calendar I'm painting for myself this is March's page.

                                                  Artwork copyright Kimberly Shaw

"Daffodils"

By William Wordsworth (1804)

I  wander’d lonely as a cloud,

That floats on high o’er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd.

A host of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

 Continuous as the stars that shine,

And twinkle on the Milky Way,

They stretch'd in never-ending line,

Along the margin of a bay;

Ten thousand saw I at a glance,

Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

 The waves beside them danced; but they,

Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:

A poet could not but be gay,

In such a jocund company;

I gazed -- and gazed -- but little thought,

What wealth the show to me had brought.

 For oft, when on my couch I lie,

In vacant or in pensive mood,

They flash upon that inward eye,

Which is the bliss of solitude;

And then my heart with pleasure fills,

And dances with the daffodils.

A happy accident when I painted the scene on the bottom of the spiral binding instead of at the top, because then I continued the sky before adding the days of the month. Oh, this is fun! Go ahead artist...You know you want to make your own 2010 calendar, too.

Painting My Own 2010 Calendar

When at the bookstore looking at the new 2010 calendars, it dawned on me, why not paint my own. I need an excuse to set some creative time aside and just paint for fun. Running a business leaves little time for play. Next stop, the art store, and as I walked in the cute girl at the registered announced, "All watercolor pads are HALF OFF!"  This felt like a divine appointment, so for $5 I left with my new 2010 calendar ready to be created.

I made a plan to paint each month's birth flower, so January's page is a Carnation.

Already swaying from my plan I painted Violets for February instead of an Iris. I like Irises, I like Irises a lot, but I love Violets.  Then again, this calendar is supposed to be just for fun anyway.

February is my favorite month because 3 family birthdays are celebrated right after Valentines Day.

Now that I've diverted from my original plan, who knows, will March's page be a Daffodil? Only if I'm having fun.

Fall is Here

I just felt like painting a Fall Leaf.

Avoiding the laundry, the dishes, and the overgrown garden for just one day, I choose instead to spend my Saturday playing with my watercolor paints, just for fun!

Hope you are having a wonderful day!

10"x11" watercolor painting on 140 lb. hotpress watercolor paper. Artwork © Kimberly Shaw

Fall Give Away

Happy 1st day of Autumn Everyone! Tis the Season to give thanks for the trees changing colors, bulb planting, good friends, warm tea, home made soup, cozy blankets, a fire in the fire place, spectacular sunsets, and hot cocoa.

I thought I'd celebrate this momentous change in seasons with a little Give Away! Here are 12 of my Fall inspired Teacup Greeting Cards for you to warm the hearts of those you send them to and an assortment of 15 delicious Harney & Sons teas to enjoy as the nights get cooler.

To enter just leave a comment by midnight Sunday October 4th California time letting us know what you like best about Autumn.

I am thankful for YOU!

September Sale

I think I forgot to tell you about my September Sale, so finally Half way through the month I'm finally letting you know my Teacup Greeting cards with Purple tea are, you guessed it, HALF OFF! Looking back I can now see how I missed posting this.  The last week of Summer I enjoyed some needed time out of town with family then rushed the kiddos off to school. Here's a closer look at what's on SALE.

 

"Tea Party" with wisteria blossoms is blank inside.

 

"Lillies" with Earl Grey tea is also blank inside.

 

"For Someone Special" with China White Blackcurrant tea.

 

"Especially For You" with purple pansies.

 

"Birthday Wishes"

 

"Thinking of You"  

 

"Happy Birthday"

 

"Thank You"

 

"Congratulations"

Harrisons & Crosfield's China White tea is light and refreshing with the wonderful fruity flavor of blackcurrant.  Their Earl Grey is both flavorful and aromatic, delicious with milk and sugar. You can find my Teacup Greeting cards, all with their own teabag inserted in the rim of the teacup or teapot, reduced to HALF PRICE at www.teacupcards.com but only until the end of September.

Thank You to all who have taken advantage of the SALE!

Peach Luster

Doesn't this mug just scream, "Hot Cocoa, Please."

As the nights get chillier with the approaching Fall season we find ourselves gravitating towards warm colors and warm beverages. 

If you can picture yourself sitting around the table with friends and family serving hot beverages from these lustrous mugs come Fall, maybe while playing Scrabble, I've made four of these beauties available in my Etsy Shop.

Blue Willow Teapot on Lace Doily

                                                                                                                 Artwork © Kimberly Shaw
8" x 10" Watercolor on 140 lb Hot Press paper.
This is the third watercolor in a series of 3 paintings all celebrating lace doilies.  Growing up lace doilies were just a part of life. My Grandmas and Aunts all had them on their fine wood tables under a favorite china piece or vase of flowers. Many crocheted and gave them as gifts. All three watercolor paintings will be listed in my Etsy Shop soon, framed and ready to hang.  

Pink Teacup on Lace Doily was the first painting, and the second painting is Floral Teacup on Lace Doily.

I have an idea for a fourth painting but that will come later. I've just started painting a 2010 calendar for myself just for fun. January's page is almost done and I'll 'Show and Tell' that project next.

Tea an' Tiques Tea Shop

Nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills is the quaintest tree-lined town of Murphys, appropriately called "Queen of the Sierra." 

 

In the middle of town is the adorable Tea an' Tiques shop, and of course I had to go in. Want a peek inside?

As soon as I stepped in, Darcy, the owner graciously invited me to help myself to cup of tea at her tea tasting counter, with a charming cottage garden just a few steps away to relax in and enjoy a cup of tea.

Back inside are beautiful teacups and teapots, tea, scone mixes and goodies for planning a perfect tea party. She also carries lovely antiques, framed art, books, gifts and collectibles.

 

 

 

It was really fun seeing my cards there, too, since I don't get many opportunities to see them displayed in stores. Oh yea, want to see what I went home with?

 

This White Jasmine Sparkling Tea is incredibly delicious!!!  I also found a matching spoon to the Franz butterfly teacup my aunt surprised me with.

Calaveras Big Trees State Park

That's me standing in the center of these trees so you can get a scale of their size.

It was really fun getting away for a little rest. I was awed by the massive size of these huge trees at Calaveras Big Tree State Park.  These trees are really big and the 1.5 mile hike late in the day as the sun came through the trees was an inspiring stroll.

The tree on the right is a regular sized large tree with it's big brother dominating it on the left.

I'm standing taking this photo, so this trunk lying down is taller than I am, and its length disappears in the forest.

I visited a charming Tea Shop on the way which I'll share with you next time and the wonderful treats I found there.

Fig Leaf Tea

I made my first Pot of Fig Leaf Tea just last night after delivering Figs to my neighbor. When you have a Fig tree, the next best thing is a neighbor who love figs.  Anyway, Janet also asked if she could have some leaves to make tea. TEA?  Really? I had no idea. She said tea is usually made from dried leaves, but fresh tastes better.  Once back home I Googled it. It's true, the leaves can be used to make tea. Let me show you...

First wash and finely chop one large Fig Leaf. For a single cup use one heaping teaspoon.

 

I put the chopped leaf directly in the post and added the boiling water.

Then I waited, letting it steep about 8 minutes.

The aroma smelled like Fig blossoms, if Fig trees had blossoms, which surprisingly they don't. The taste of the tea is fresh and clean with a slight nutty background, and a little like green tea without any bitterness or earthy flavor. I left the leaves in the bottom of the Pot and now 30 minutes later I poured a second cup and it hasn't become bitter, still fresh and clean tasting only a bit cooler. In my first cup I added honey which was delicious, but wanting to try it unsweetened I like it better plain.

Curious about the health benefits? According the world's healthiest foods the leaves of the Fig Tree  have anti-diabetic properties reducing the amount of insulin needed by diabetics who require insulin injections. I've discovered that drinking 3-4 cups a day helps against bronchitis and asthma. Bathing in it stimulates circulation and takes away discoloration of bruises, but be careful not to go out into the sun after applying to the skin because the psoralens in the fig leaf will cause serious sun burn. Psoralen is used to treat psoriasis and eczema.

I've had 5 cups of Fig Leaf Tea so far with no ill effects. It's delicious with a very pretty golden color! I would serve it at a Tea Party.

I made my first Pot of Fig Leaf Tea just last night after delivering Figs to my neighbor. When you have a Fig tree, the next best thing is a neighbor who love figs.  Anyway, Janet also asked if she could have some leaves to make tea. TEA?  Really? I had no idea. She said tea is usually made from dried leaves, but fresh tastes better.  Once back home I Googled it. It's true, the leaves can be used to make tea. Let me show you...

First wash and finely chop one large Fig Leaf. For a single cup use one heaping teaspoon.

 

I put the chopped leaf directly in the post and added the boiling water.

Then I waited, letting it steep about 8 minutes.

The aroma smelled like Fig blossoms, if Fig trees had blossoms, which surprisingly they don't. The taste of the tea is fresh and clean with a slight nutty background, and a little like green tea without any bitterness or earthy flavor. I left the leaves in the bottom of the Pot and now 30 minutes later I poured a second cup and it hasn't become bitter, still fresh and clean tasting only a bit cooler. In my first cup I added honey which was delicious, but wanting to try it unsweetened I like it better plain.

Curious about the health benefits? According the world's healthiest foods the leaves of the Fig Tree  have anti-diabetic properties reducing the amount of insulin needed by diabetics who require insulin injections. I've discovered that drinking 3-4 cups a day helps against bronchitis and asthma. Bathing in it stimulates circulation and takes away discoloration of bruises, but be careful not to go out into the sun after applying to the skin because the psoralens in the fig leaf will cause serious sun burn. Psoralen is used to treat psoriasis and eczema.

I've had 5 cups of Fig Leaf Tea so far with no ill effects. It's delicious with a very pretty golden color! I would serve it at a Tea Party.

Plumeria Tea

I know this summer I have digressed from blogging about tea or art.  Thanks for graciously  humoring me while I got sidetracked by old cars, canning tomatoes and figs, pizza, new kitties, and more pictures of old cars.  I tried really hard not to post my daughter's newest purchase, a '65 Ford Falcon.  But I've been swung back to my love of tea and teacups when Georgia picked these very fragrant blooms from the Plumeria in the front yard and set a teacup full of them on each of our desks.

Aren't these pretty? I only wish I could cause their sweet fragrance to sweep past you as a gentle breeze blows by. The smell is glorious!

But please promise me you won't make tea from Plumeria blossoms. According to the poisonous plant sites, Plumeria can cause a rash and if your dog or cat eats it, they may have digestive trouble and your vet bill will go up.

Hoping your Summer is a pleasant one!!!

Time To Go For A Drive

The clock in my 1947 Ford looks like art to me, I love the classics!  It feels like it's time to go for a little Sunday Drive.

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

There is nothing to hard for God

"Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for you." Jeremiah 32:16

God answered hubby's and my prays when driving the '47 Ford around town last week.

5 times the old Ford wouldn't start. 

5 times hubby used his man skills to start it, but without success.

5 times we prayed and then it started.

Turns out the old boy (the car not the man) needed a new contact on the starter switch, which hubby installed, and now he (the car) fires up perfectly. 

I've learned a lot from studying Jeremiah:  God is in control,  He's merciful, He keeps His promises, He restores, He hears our prays, & more miraculous, He answers them.

Now there have been several other times I've been stranded in a broken down car and God didn't choose to just start them up send me on my way like this.  But, I have learned that God always demonstrates what I'm learning in His word with real life applications.  I think the last time I was stranded God was teaching me patience.  That was a hard lesson. 

If today you find yourself looking for something incredible to read, Jeremiah chapter 32 is a remarkable example God's great power and outstretched arm revealing there is nothing too hard for Him. 

Tomato & Figs, Oh My!

I've been so busy in the kitchen that my son commented last night, "Wow, mom, you've been cooking a lot lately. What's up?" His comment is justified, because I'm not normally in the kitchen except to make tea and see if hubbies cookies are cooled enough to eat.  That's why you don't usually see any food on my blog.  But this last weekend and early this week I've been saving our incredible tomato and fig harvest.

First the tomatoes were made into Salsa, with half the batch made into Mango Salsa. I didn't actually can these because Salsa doesn't last very long at my house. It goes on chips & quesadillas, and into Chicken Tortilla soup.

Hubby made a lot of dough and topped it with cheese, basil, and tomatoes.  The remaining tomatoes were processed into six 1 quart canning jars. 

With the juice left over from cooking the tomatoes I made my version of a V8 drink, except it was more like a V6 with a couple of large spoons of the mango salsa and juice from half a lemon. I know not everyone likes tomato juice but I love it and glad to be the only one in the family who does.
 
By far the easiest to make, and definitely the prettiest, was the Strawberry Fig jam. It looks like Christmas with its golden seeds submerged in the the deep crimson sweetnes.  Won't this be scrumptious on scones?  Here's the recipe:

     FIG & STRAWBERRY PRESERVES

     6 c. fresh figs (I used 8 cups because I had so many)
     6 c. sugar
     2 (6 oz.) pkgs. strawberry Jello

Wash and peel figs (this took the longest time). Mash well (do not use blender). Place in a large pot with sugar. Heat until the figs start to cook. Add the dry gelatin and simmer 10 more minutes, stirring often. Pour into hot sterilized jars. Yield: 5 to 6 pints.

With more figs ripening on the tree every day, I even  made Fig Newtons last night.

For whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.  Galatians 6:7-10

The Old Thatch Teashop

Isn't this Tea Shop dreamy?  Built in 1690 its located on the Isle of Wight at 4 Church Road, Shanklin, in the United Kingdom.  I will definitely be popping in if I'm ever privileged to be in the area.  I learned of this adorable shop when I received an email from them requesting a catalog, with an attachment of this photo with a request to paint it. This is definitely on my list of paintings, who could resist not painting it? It's an honor to announce to all my British blogging pals this charming shop is now carrying my Teacup cards and an huge assortment of Notepads.  This is one of those shops I wish I could have hand delivered their package myself and then relaxed over a cup of British tea, a delicious scone, and a good chat with the locals. 

Abundant Harvest

I have never had such a fruitful harvest of tomatoes. Come to think of it I've never had a harvest this good of anything. This is about half of the tomatoes so far. Some we already picked for salsa and more are on the vines. I can't remember what kind they are, plus with their vines all intertwined and covering up their labels I'm not sure I'd be able to tell them apart. I can tell you they are sweet & juicy. We'll be making more salsa with the ones cut up in the bowls, Margarita pizzas, tomato sauce and just eat the sweeties as they are.  Hope the neighbors need tomatoes, too, because they'll be getting a knock on their doors today.  Seeing God's abundant blessings reminds me of this verse:

The LORD your God will make you abound in all the work of your hand, in the fruit of your body, in the increase of your livestock, and in the produce of your land for good. Deut. 30:9

Fabrics in Full Bloom by Bari J

I know I don't even need to ask, but aren't these new fabrics by designer Bari J gorgeous!?  Her new line "Full Bloom" arrived at my house this week.  I was so excited I wanted to hug the UPS man, but he wasn't amused.

Bari graciously offered these as a Give Away on her blog and I was blessed to be a winner.  Her Teacup & Teapot design is the best I have ever seen, and it comes in 3 color ways.  The little bird, strawberry, and pretty blossoms are perfect details to inspire endless creativity.

The ideas are endless and I'll need to order more for all the projects that quickly came to mind: update my studio, design a quilt, make an apron, and sew a summer skirt.

Each fabric is a work of art, suitable for framing.
Thanks Bari, each one is more beautiful in person and very inspiring!  I first discovered Bari's talent when I stumbled over her phenomenal one of a kind handbags.  Since then she has designed this full line of fabrics, is now working on a book deal, and rumor has it she'll be working on a second line of fabrics.