Tea Ceremony
This last week my view through the shop window has looked like a fading photograph. Each day drains more color from the trees and sky and even the sun appears desaturated and half-hearted. Inside the shop, the heater hums at my feet but steel tubes and tools feel colder in my hands. I find myself seeking warmth.
I wrap myself in layers of wools and fleece, but as I work, warm pockets of air drift off and away from me. In these spaces, the cold settles in. I feel the need to spark my pilot light. I need warmth that begins inside me, that moves through me and with me.
I make a cup of tea. Leaves and water. A steeping cup sits next to me on my workbench and its steam infuses the sharp metallic air of the shop with a softer note. Between tasks, my hands curl around warm ceramic and I sip. It is a rustic tea ceremony I make for myself, lacking ritual or precision, but full of appreciation.
How unlikely that, while the rain outside pulls color from the fallen leaves, water poured over the tea leaves in my cup draws out a richer hue. Oolong, desert sage, green tea, peppermint – uncurling and softening. And how graciously that tea warms my belly, softens my shoulders and radiates through me. Sip by sip until I feel that warmth as a part of me, a warm cup for a cold shop to wrap itself around.
FAVORITES:
Republic of Tea Desert Sage – reminds me of a dear friend, calls for plenty of honey.
Tao of Tea White Peony – Given to me by a customer I adore, it is sweet and a little nutty.
Trader Joe’s Earl Gray – the kind of no-nonsense get ‘er done black tea my mom raised me to drink.
COVET:
Tao of Tea Jasmine Pearls – when asked Twitter for a recommendation, the masses rallied for this one.
Lipton’s Russian Ceylon – available in France and England, this blend is reported to have little yellow flowers and comes recommended by a friend who knows about such things.
Smith Tea Brahmin’s Choice – the latest from new (old) local teamaker Steven Smith.
Or orange spice tea mixed with rooibos. Found in the spice wall at Limbo’s (39th and Hawthorne).
Make that 39th just south of Holgate near Trader Joe’s
I’ve forgotten how much I like rooibos – it’s time to tuck that back in the tea drawer, eh?
You might check out Steepster http://steepster.com/ for more ideas should these new ones ever grow dull… Crazy huh?
Natalie,
If you give me an address I will send you some of my favorite teas (including some lovely jasmine pearls) from my favorite tea shop – Floating Leaves in Seattle. I’m always telling everyone about this place because the owner, Shuien, is really amazing and only stocks teas that she’s crazy about. She goes to Taiwan every season to personally pick out her selection and meet with the farmers. Everything I’ve had there is awesome!
I have a deep respect for all of you crazy artisans out there that live for your work :)
Ashley – you are so sweet! I would love to try your favorite tea. The Sweetpea Tea Drawer is located at 5621 NE 23rd Avenue, Portland OR 97211. Thanks so much!!
Don’t hate. The green tea bags from Costco are pretty good. They come in the silky pyramid satchels to show you they mean bid’ness.
I do love a silky pyramid satchel. You’ll get no back-talk from me, sir.
You have to try Tao of Tea’s 500 Mile Chai too, especially in the winter.
Also, their genmaicha is a great sort of alternate warm hearty flavor (as it’s green tea mixed with roasted brown rice). Another winter favorite.