Ode To A Teacup
About a year ago (maybe longer), I decided that I would make an effort to not just gulp down my daily cups of tea without a second though. That instead, I would enjoy the simple pleasure of sipping said brew from my growing stockpile of vintage teacups and pretty mugs. It was an act in patience and intentional slowing down more than anything else. Much of my life feels like it is about maximizing, rushing, and deadlines (real or imagined), so of course a diminutive cup of tea isn't always as practical as a giant mug-full is...but it is, I've found, a lot more enjoyable. I challenge you to try it and see for yourself just how much more pleasurable those sips of tea become when they are drunk from something more than your ordinary mug.
As a wee gift to myself, I recently added a lovely little vessel by KevinOsheaDesigns to my teacup shelf and it alone has taken my love of tea to new levels (I didn't even know that was possible). I love the hand-drawn elements and it has such a wonderful feeling of glossy earthiness (not sure if that even makes sense) while pressed inside my palm. Do you have any small pleasures that take the rush out of your day and help to bring more enjoyment to your life? I'd love to know. xo Ez
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| by Ez Monday, May 17, 2010 
Reader Comments (12)
So true! Love the design of that cup, great choice. :) Walking my dog around the neighborhood, even if it's only for 10 minutes, really helps me slow down (figuratively speaking, of course!) and think clearly. So often I'm tired from a long day of work/photography/whatever, but forcing myself to do it makes not only me happy but him, too. :)
oh, such a pretty mug! my husband and I have a coffee together most mornings sitting in bed, before the kids wake - it's generally the best time we get to chat without having to tell someone not to do that/put that up their nose/please get dressed in your school uniform/don't do that to your brother....
Beautiful cup! How do you take your tea, with cream? Looks so comforting right now! My only small pleasure right now is having a bowl of my favorite granola cereal with Vanilla Soy milk. I look forward to enjoying this so much because I have it while my son's napping so it's my 1 uninterrupted meal!
Jennifer
www.amerrymishap.blogspot.com
I tend to gulp my drinks and wolf down my food >.< perhaps in the pleasure of eating a ferrero roche ;p (is that the way to spell that lovely chocolate ball? XD)
I noticed yesterday that my new evening routine consists of coming home from work and promptly walking outside to make a slow lap around the house. I have been doing it without even thinking about it. I take my time and look at every one of my plants and mentally note how they have changed or grown, any new blooms or old falling petals. Its almost like meditation.
*I hope you have been feeling better lately. :) I'm having my first giveaway if you want to check it out.
www.miznovembersoul.blogspot.com
oh, that cup is just the prettiest thing. i have a fetish for collecting mugs as well, and i'm searching and searching for a little shelf so i can display them!
i think it's great thing, to enjoy tea. i have a slight obsession with the beverage, and the brews always calm me down. i like to refer to it as '20 minutes for self time'. it's especially great to come home after a day of working/school/anything and just take a breather with a cup of tea. so relaxing! i hope you're feeling alright, too.
Yay for tea! I too have a collection of vintage mugs which are not only pretty to look at, they make me very happy when drinking tea from them. It's a much different experience than drinking from an ordinary mug....:) It can be challenging to turn off your thoughts and just focus on the taste and smell of the tea, the feel of the cup wrapped in your hand, but I feel so much happier when I can slow down and appreciate what is right in front of me!
i love to drink out of my little short, fat, white starbucks mug. it makes me feel instantly chic and like i'm actually at starbucks, but without spending the money :)
One of the delights of my day is going thru my blogroll. in many instances it's like catching up with old friends, and i never fail to find some post that inspires a sense of wonder and dreaming.
Stereotypically, I love my tea (I am English). I too find that the vessel supped from can affect the taste dramatically. The thinner the rim, the better! Bone China is the height of tea drinking experiences. I prowl antique cellars searching for the perfect cups and saucers. Is that sad?! My small pleasures include gazing out of my living room window and absorbing the lush greenery of my garden in Spring/Summer. I love watching it grow. I also find there''s something calming about looking at water droplets on green leaves. Don't know why, but it does it for me!
I also enjoy simple pleasures like a wonderful cup full of tea. Keri Smith has 100 ideas that are fun and inspiring. I keep them in a jar on my bookshelf and pull one out when I need a boost of inspiration.
Enjoy!
http://www.kerismith.com/100ideas.pdf
I like to smell my tea mug after having drunk my tea! (when it's empty.) I don't do this often, to busy/quick. So when I remember to do it, I feel realy calm.
And watching my cat spleeping with her chin up. Always make me smile and feel in peace.