Greetings! ...from Kimberly Shaw

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.

 
 

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.

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. 

Judy Shops at Pickets

Judy, a sweet Flickr friend and Blogging buddy, blessed me when she sent me a note saying, "Check this out Kim,"  with a link to these photos. While in Golden, Colorado she visited this charming store in historic downtown Golden, CO named "Pickets"  a  Home and Garden Shop.   Inside she found a rack of my Teacup Greeting cards and took a picture to share with me.  Isn't she sweet?  I hardly ever see my Teacup Cards in stores, so this was a real treat for me to see.  Judy is an incredible artist and gardener whose delightful blog Oobos, The Adventures of a Gardening Artist is a delight to read. I especially love her adorable Sumi-e birds and frogs.

Photos used by permission, Thanks Judy!!!

Methow Valley Homestead

I just discovered how fabulous the Methow Valley Homestead is when Deb Stennes, 3rd generation orchardists, included her website link with a re-order of my Teacup Greeting cards she placed for her shop.

This place has it all: gorgeous scenery, rich history, family heritage, and acres of organic orchards where they grow Cherries, Pluots, Pears, Apples and Plums.

I couldn't resist sharing it with you. I haven't been here, but if I am blessed enough to be in North Central Washington State, I'll make a special trip to visit, but where do I start.

Their Gift Shop looks welcoming, the  Restaurant's menu is tempting, but then there is also the Homemade Ice Cream topped with fresh organic fruit, or Grandma Debbie’s homemade fudge, and freshly roasted Organic Coffee brewed into a yummy Espresso. 

   

Have you checked out their website at www.methowvalleyhomestead.com and discovered their rich history? Doesn't it look like a wonder place to visit? If you ever get an oportunity to go, or have been lucky enough to have been there, let me know about your visit.

All photos used by permission from the Methow Valley Homestead website. Thanks Deb!

Spaan's Cookie Company

This is my husband, Steve, feeling like he's in heaven on earth. This adorable shop is an extension of the Spaan's Cookie Company. While on vacation last year, a neighbor came home with fresh baked dinner rolls. The next day we took his advice and drove through the central California farm land to visit to Spaan's Cookie Company in Galt. Their adorable shop is an extension of their factory which can produce over a million cookies a day. The charming gift shop continues through the door on the left where you'll find more stacks of cookies. It's so hard to choose, because they also have fresh baked pies, scones, and buttery "melt-in-your-mouth" dinner rolls.

They also have an incredible wall of assorted loose teas. Their gift shop is creatively displayed with teacups, tea accessories and delightful gifts, books and stationery. You'll see my Teacup Greeting Cards and Notepads there. The guys will appreciate their vintage delivery truck and cookie punches displayed in the store.

Visiting Spaan's has become a tradition and I highly recommend it. If you find yourself in California on Hwy 99 (or even Hwy 5 it's worth the detour) south of Sacramento treat yourself with a refreshing stop at Spaan's Cookie Company at 456 C Street, Galt, CA.
You can view their cookie collection, read their fantastic history which began in Holland in 1896, learn cookie tidbits and order cookies at www.spaanscookies.com