jakorte's blog

I had the blessed opportunity to share the pomp and circumstance of loose leaf tea and fine china with dear friends last weekend. Cinnamon Orange, of course, but decaf due to the company I knew I would be keeping. As it turned out, by the time the evening’s activities ended, tea hour settled upon us around 10:00 pm.

The fine china wasn’t my idea, but that of an enthusiastic parent. Still, passing dainty cups perched on seemingly delicate saucers to young ladies, ages 11, 13 and 16, made me nervous. I often forgo the fine china in favor of a standard variety household mug. Yes, out of fear of damage or spillage, and a bit out of laziness, not wanting to refill a smaller cup more often.

These cups, florals reflecting brightly in the translucent amber tea, changed the mood. Hurried, became settled. Fidgety became still – it’s hard to balance a tea cup and fidget! Pinkies were extended, styles compared.

Alice Walker said, “Tea to the English is really a picnic indoors.”

I’d liken our event to more of a campfire gathering. No TV, no Ipods, no cell phones, nothing other than a family circled in conversation and questions. “Are they really that old?” “Is that real gold on the rim?” When the tea was finished, the bottoms of saucers and cups were inspected for clues to their origin. Just as the spiced tea warmed our limbs, discussions and learning warmed our hearts.

What is the good of having beautiful things if we will not use them in comfort and often? What is the worse that could happen? A broken cup, a shattered saucer, would simply present a learning opportunity; about the strength of china, the fragility of life, the necessity of friendships, and the importance of pomp and circumstance.

"... I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me..." Matthew 25: 35-45

In this issue: Achieving Goals, Strength and Translucency, Bone China vs. Porcelain
Now published: Presence of a Cook, Slidell, LA October 2008