Loss

[Daniel]

Requiem for a Teapot


Last night, as dinner was being made, and the table set, I put a much-loved tea pot on the counterspace in our tiny NYC kitchen, and, in reaching for something else, it got bumped and- crash- it fell -glittering shards flew across the floor.

To my credit, I didn't break down in tears, scream in horror or have thoughts of suicide. But a beloved companion was gone. You see the remains before you.

My gleaming gold Limoge 'Picard' teapot, which I picked up for a song at a Village Antique shop- and is now very hard, if not impossible to find- is now in humpty-dumpty land: never to be put back together.

My immediate thought? It's not a person. It's not my husband. It's not the friend arriving for dinner in ten minutes. Nothing lasts forever.

However, memories of afternoon tea with my favorite objet linger on. I have that at least. But even memory can leave us, no? In the end, what do we really have?

We have now.....this moment....this day....this time of space to either evolve or devolve, grow or let entropy take it's course. However you see it, nothing stands still.

People aren't objects, strictly speaking. And I can't speak for anyone else, but I've been present at many a funeral and upon looking at the body had the immediate impression that the person I 'knew' wasn't 'there'.

Odd, isn't it?

My rambling has led me to this: let us cherish each other while we can, for while the nights may seem long, the days are short.

[andrewlittle]

I DO understand attachment to objects, because of the memories they trigger or simply the pleasure they give when being used.

Being English, I can also appreciate that a teapot may be one such item.

Don't have a gold Limoge one, but I can and will keep an eye out in the various little stores we frequent upstate. You never know what we might find ...

[pnggrad79]

I am sorry for your loss Daniel. Fortunately, things can be replaced more easily than people or relationships. I hope you find another lovely teapot to replace it.:)

[keltic63]

thought about you as we browsed at Goodwill this afternoon. would be so cool to find a treasure like that while shopping Goodwill.

[Daniel]

Guess what I found on ebay today?

Same shape, size, and maker.....along with 2 cups and saucers, creamer and sugar, dessert plates....c. 1910....a Tea Set!

I went for it! Not the steal I found with my old pot....but you know what?

Tea is serious business.

[pnggrad79]

May your new teapots put your old ones to shame. Hope you fall in love all over again!!!:D

[Daniel]

May your new teapots put your old ones to shame. Hope you fall in love all over again!!!:D

Thank you my darling!

But nothing can compare to one's 'first love', can there? ;)

[Alecto]

I think the new ones have a classier elegance about them than the old. :)

[Daniel]

I think the new ones have a classier elegance about them than the old. :)


Still.....I am a real magpie when it comes to teapots. The more gold the better! :lol:

You'll have to come try them out.....

Afternoon Tea. 3PM. Sweet and Savory. Civilized conversation and lots of laughter.

[Zerbie]

Sorry for the disappointment of an unexpected goodbye to the old teapot.
:'(

And congratulations on the lovely new tea set! :)

I would love to visit for tea!! Keep praying that things work out so that DH and I can actually be in NY in June. I don't know WHEN we're supposed to know one way or the other. . . !

[Alecto]

Still.....I am a real magpie when it comes to teapots. The more gold the better! :lol:

You'll have to come try them out.....

Afternoon Tea. 3PM. Sweet and Savory. Civilized conversation and lots of laughter.

I ever find myself in the neighborhood, I'm there.

[andrewlittle]

Still.....I am a real magpie when it comes to teapots. The more gold the better! :lol:

You'll have to come try them out.....

Afternoon Tea. 3PM. Sweet and Savory. Civilized conversation and lots of laughter.

(Inviting myself to tea.) Would crumpets, strawberry jam and clotted cream be on offer?

[Vanessa White]

It just proves that love can be found again, right friend?

So glad that you have reconnected with another tea set that caught your fancy. I agree with Andrew, objects remind us of things/events/people that we like to call to mind. I have learned to let go of objects more over the years, but still cling onto those that hold deep memory for me.

Of course, I don't need the object to hold the memory, it just makes it so much more real, in the moment for me. It takes me back. :love:

I look forward to sharing tea with you one day....

[Daniel]

(Inviting myself to tea.) Would crumpets, strawberry jam and clotted cream be on offer?

You bet! And perhaps watercress sandwiches and scones. Whatever suits your fancy Oxy will conjur...though I draw the line at Marmite.

It just proves that love can be found again, right friend?

I look forward to sharing tea with you one day....

Hmmmmm. First it has to arrive in one piece! And as for sharing, it looks like a Tea Party is in the works....it's just a matter of when. ;)

[tymejumper]

Guess what I found on ebay today?

Same shape, size, and maker.....along with 2 cups and saucers, creamer and sugar, dessert plates....c. 1910....a Tea Set!

I went for it! Not the steal I found with my old pot....but you know what?

Tea is serious business.


I understand the seriousness of tea. All the other therapists as work drink coffee. I however, drink tea. I have my favorite teas, Jasmine, Darjeerling and in the morning English Breakfast. I can tell the difference between decaf teas and caffinated ones. I can name the tea by the taste and smell. I guess I am a tea nerd.

I even get very frustrated when others do not know that colas and coffees have way more caffiene than a cup of strong hot tea. People are still confused though, and try to tell me that coffee actually has less caffiene than tea. I had to get a grip on myself because I got drawn into an argument about the relative caffiene levels of beverages in relations to tea.

As for losing a beloved object, I once had a beautiful shirt, a poets shirt that I always wore with my favorite short black skirt or jeans. It was a highwaymans shirt with a frothy collar. I LOVED that shirt so much that if my house burned, and I could save one non-living thing, it would have been that shirt! Well, I hung it up on the back of my bathroom door one day to steam it during a shower(it was dry clean and this was how I got the wrinkles out)and left it there. My husband(when I was married to a man)at the time went and without looking sprayed the hinges of the door with WD-40, from the front side, and it got all over my shirt. Nothing, would take the stains out and finally all the stain removal techniques made holes in the shirt. I CRIED for days about my shirt, and its been 15 years, I have looked everywhere and not been able to replace it. So, I am glad you could get a new tea set! Enjoy it:D

[Daniel]

I understand the seriousness of tea. All the other therapists as work drink coffee. I however, drink tea. I have my favorite teas, Jasmine, Darjeerling and in the morning English Breakfast. I can tell the difference between decaf teas and caffinated ones. I can name the tea by the taste and smell. I guess I am a tea nerd.


Yes! We have Assam for breakfast (strong stuff!) and a second flush Darjeerling for afternoon (first flush is too green and we like our tea with milk). And or course, with tea comes all the 'stuff' that goes with it: tea pots, tea cups etc.

I even get very frustrated when others do not know that colas and coffees have way more caffiene than a cup of strong hot tea.

You are right. And there is something else worth mentioning: tea- for whatever reason- has a charm that coffee does not. It really- as the British note- can calm one down when upset or pick one up when down. It's a very versatile fluid. I can have a cup in the afternoon and take a 20 minute nap. Nothing better. Coffee? That won't happen.

People are still confused though, and try to tell me that coffee actually has less caffiene than tea. I had to get a grip on myself because I got drawn into an argument about the relative caffiene levels of beverages in relations to tea.

Teas is- shall we say- civilized! ;)

As for losing a beloved object, I once had a beautiful shirt, a poets shirt that I always wore with my favorite short black skirt or jeans. It was a highwaymans shirt with a frothy collar. I LOVED that shirt so much that if my house burned, and I could save one non-living thing, it would have been that shirt! Well, I hung it up on the back of my bathroom door one day to steam it during a shower(it was dry clean and this was how I got the wrinkles out)and left it there. My husband(when I was married to a man)at the time went and without looking sprayed the hinges of the door with WD-40, from the front side, and it got all over my shirt. Nothing, would take the stains out and finally all the stain removal techniques made holes in the shirt. I CRIED for days about my shirt, and its been 15 years, I have looked everywhere and not been able to replace it. So, I am glad you could get a new tea set! Enjoy it:D

ah......I mourn your loss! Losing people is perhaps the hardest thing, but things that we love, that help bring out who we are? They are a part of the fabric of our lives. That said, of course, in the end, we have to let everything go.

Keep looking. You may surprise yourself! :love:

[tymejumper]

I LOVE milk in my tea, but it doesn't like me back! Sometimes though, you have to live dangerously and put it in there, and take your Lactaid first!:lol::lol::lol: People will look at you oddly for drinking milk in your tea. I thought it only an English custom, but my grandmother(yes, the homophobic one!) started me on it. Her father, my Great Grandfather, was from Ireland(O'Shae) and that is how he drank it.

The only tea I don't like milk in is of course, Jasmine. It is way to delicate a flavor to destroy with the heaviness of milk. I worked with a Physical Therapist from India and she made all her own Chai for breakfast. She gave me the recipie which I think I have around here somewhere, but I don't remember where now. I think she used the Assam Black for that.

I am going shopping tomarrow and I have about 6 coupons for tea. I love going to Meijers because they have so many types of teas there. Also, up here we have a Horrocks. It is a sort of fresh market store and they have a very fine selection of teas and wines. They also carry cheeses from all over the world.

Anyone care to discuss wines? I am also into gourmet cooking and pairing wines with it.

[Daniel]

The only tea I don't like milk in is of course, Jasmine. It is way to delicate a flavor to destroy with the heaviness of milk.


When we were in Toronto last, we stopped in at The House of Tea.

http://www.torontolife.com/guide/food/coffee-tea/house-of-tea/

The mistress of the establishment introduced us to a Vanilla Rooibos that I have not been able to find anywhere else. And it is excellent with milk. And while there, she included a small sample of Jasmine that was handrolled into tiny balls. The amazing thing about this tea? You can make three pots with the same leaf and it doesn't get brackish.

The cost? At that time (4 years ago) $200 a pound. But I swear, if you had it, you would say it was worth the price!

[Zerbie]

Does anyone here enjoy herbal tea? For myself, I can ONLY take non-caffeine beverages, which limits me. But I have found I enjoy herbals (not so much the fruit flavors though, those are too sweet.)

I have wondered where and how to find other brands and flavors than the stuff in the grocery stores. I suspect, surely there must be more stuff out there. Anyone know??

[tymejumper]

[QUOTE=Daniel;52354]When we were in Toronto last, we stopped in at The House of Tea.

http://www.torontolife.com/guide/food/coffee-tea/house-of-tea/

The mistress of the establishment introduced us to a Vanilla Rooibos that I have not been able to find anywhere else. QUOTE]


Meijers carries Rooibos also. I don't think you guys have one there in New York. If you have a close health food store, they usually carry it. I think mine is online, try HarvestHealth.com. I think that is the site. Or google Harvest Health health food stores in Michigan. I am sure the site will show up. Ther is one in Grand Rapids and one is Cascade. I bet you could order it from there. It isn't actually a 'tea' its not made from actual tea leaves, but it is treated as such. I'll look at Meijers tomarrow and see if they have it. They DO have a site(Meijers.com), you can order it from there also. Let me know if it works and you find it!

[tymejumper]

Does anyone here enjoy herbal tea? For myself, I can ONLY take non-caffeine beverages, which limits me. But I have found I enjoy herbals (not so much the fruit flavors though, those are too sweet.)

I have wondered where and how to find other brands and flavors than the stuff in the grocery stores. I suspect, surely there must be more stuff out there. Anyone know??


The best place to go for herbal teas is a health food store. They have tons. I even found a type called 'yogi' health teas. They have it for perimenopause, PMS, colds and flues. I dont know if you do any of that but they also have a very nice selection of regular herbal teas. I love the Celestal Seasonings "I love Lemon" and "Mint Medaly". Its peppermint flavored and great for an after dinner cup or before bed. They have a 'sleepy time' tea but it has Camomile in it and I am allergic to it. I have to be careful what type of herbals I drink cause I get hives and wheezing from it, it makes my asthma really bad. They also have a lot of decaf teas that are the regular types. You can get Earl Grey or English Breakfast in decaf. Also, hit Stash teas. You'll probably have to Google it, but they are a BIG tea company and have a whole case of decaf teas.:D

[Zerbie]

The best place to go for herbal teas is a health food store. They have tons. I even found a type called 'yogi' health teas. They have it for perimenopause, PMS, colds and flues. I dont know if you do any of that but they also have a very nice selection of regular herbal teas. I love the Celestal Seasonings "I love Lemon" and "Mint Medaly". Its peppermint flavored and great for an after dinner cup or before bed. They have a 'sleepy time' tea but it has Camomile in it and I am allergic to it. I have to be careful what type of herbals I drink cause I get hives and wheezing from it, it makes my asthma really bad. They also have a lot of decaf teas that are the regular types. You can get Earl Grey or English Breakfast in decaf. Also, hit Stash teas. You'll probably have to Google it, but they are a BIG tea company and have a whole case of decaf teas.:D

I will check out Stash teas. That's a new one!

Yeah, I'm all over the yogi teas and the celestial seasonings. Have a few cups every week. It really is peaceful!! And now will be off googling Stash tea.

Thanks!
:cool:

[Daniel]

Meijers carries Rooibos also. I don't think you guys have one there in New York. If you have a close health food store, they usually carry it. I think mine is online, try HarvestHealth.com. I think that is the site. Or google Harvest Health health food stores in Michigan. I am sure the site will show up. Ther is one in Grand Rapids and one is Cascade. I bet you could order it from there. It isn't actually a 'tea' its not made from actual tea leaves, but it is treated as such. I'll look at Meijers tomarrow and see if they have it. They DO have a site(Meijers.com), you can order it from there also. Let me know if it works and you find it!

Gottcha on Rooibos. And thank you for the sources! What I've not found in NYC is the particular Vanilla Rooibos found north of the border. I've seen Mint, Chocolate and the natural thing. But this boy wants Vanilla! Perhaps the places you've mentioned will have it. Nothing could please me more!

:love:

Ah....saw your last post. Do you like Lady Grey? That's an interesting tea! I believe it has a touch of Bergamot in it. Not the type for milk though.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Grey_%28tea%29

[tdogg]

And while there, she included a small sample of Jasmine that was handrolled into tiny balls. The amazing thing about this tea? You can make three pots with the same leaf and it doesn't get brackish.
The cost? At that time (4 years ago) $200 a pound. But I swear, if you had it, you would say it was worth the price!

Oh yes, Jasmine Dragon Pearls (it's what they are called at Teavana). I LOVE them. It's a great tea alone, you can totally control the strength by # of balls, and I love putting a small # in with my Japanese green tea. Wonderful! We paid around $48 for 4 ounces. Ouch! But it lasts a long time as it's quite concentrated. And I agree, totally worth the price. I would pay more.

[Sherrie Z]

This thread is just one more reason why I love this group.

As an Anglophile I really appreciate this very civilised (note British spelling, LOL) discussion. : )

I have to avoid caffeine so I can only drink herbal tea but at least I can get the British themed herbal teas ... and I'm still in full support of the cultural aspects of *tea* (tea ceremonies and tea paraphernalia and English "afternoon tea" and so on) ... as well as Daniel's good thoughts on possessions (I'm so glad you found a new teapot!) ... thanks much.

Here's a cool website to check out some ART teapots ... have fun!

https://www.guild.com/servlet/Guild/TeapotsPage/?refid=292

[tymejumper]

Gottcha on Rooibos. And thank you for the sources! What I've not found in NYC is the particular Vanilla Rooibos found north of the border. I've seen Mint, Chocolate and the natural thing. But this boy wants Vanilla! Perhaps the places you've mentioned will have it. Nothing could please me more!

:love:

Ah....saw your last post. Do you like Lady Grey? That's an interesting tea! I believe it has a touch of Bergamot in it. Not the type for milk though.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Grey_%28tea%29



I looked at the store and you are right, I could not find Vanilla Rooibos. I saw red and also regular. Maybe Twinnings Tea may have it, they also are a big tea vendor. You may just have to order it from your tea room up north! I have ot had Lady Grey. I do not like Earl Grey, to perfumy for me. I was afraid the Lady Grey was also like that.

[BrianB]

thought about you as we browsed at Goodwill this afternoon. would be so cool to find a treasure like that while shopping Goodwill.

Forgive me for jumping in here late. Last week I found six tea cups and saucers at Goodwill that match my set of Corelle stone ware dishes. I've been drinking my tea from mugs but now I can have a civilized cup.

My favorite teas are Earl Grey, Darjeeling and Oolong. BTW, There is a british import store close by in Dayton called Simply British. It's a wonderful store for hard to find items.

[Daniel]

I looked at the store and you are right, I could not find Vanilla Rooibos. I saw red and also regular. Maybe Twinnings Tea may have it, they also are a big tea vendor. You may just have to order it from your tea room up north! I have had Lady Grey. I do not like Earl Grey, to perfumy for me. I was afraid the Lady Grey was also like that.

I think you are right: time to make that phone call! :D

Forgive me for jumping in here late. Last week I found six tea cups and saucers at Goodwill that match my set of Corelle stone ware dishes. I've been drinking my tea from mugs but now I can have a civilized cup.
.

Good for you! As someone who goes to the flea market on occasion, it's amaking what one can find- as in your going to Goodwill. Here in NYC? I know of friends who have found the most amazing things there.

[nmwolfboy]

Daniel, i'm sorry for the loss of your fave teapot. And i can't believe i've been missing out on this thread - afternoon tea is a common ritual at our house. Good luck in finding a suitable replacement for your beloved teapot.

Wes likes Earl Grey (i don't - too odorous for me) but we usually drink either PG Tips or Barry's. Ginger biscuits go nicely.

i'm slowly collecting proper cups to use in place of mugs. My latest find: a set of four old Syracuse cups & saucers in "Airbrush Pink". Pretty and sturdy. i'm afraid of breaking the more delicate teacups that i admire.

If anyone here ever visits New Mexico, we'll have to get together for afternoon tea. Recommended spot: either our house, or if you like something formal, then the St. James Tearoom (http://www.stjamestearoom.com/) in Albuquerque.

There's another great spot we like in Santa Monica, CA called The Tudor House (http://thetudorhouse.com/). An extensive tea menu, wonderful nibblies, and a cool shop that's sure to please most any Anglophile.

Pax :dove:
scott

[Daniel]

Daniel, i'm sorry for the loss of your fave teapot. And i can't believe i've been missing out on this thread - afternoon tea is a common ritual at our house. Good luck in finding a suitable replacement for your beloved teapot.

Wes likes Earl Grey (i don't - too odorous for me) but we usually drink either PG Tips or Barry's. Ginger biscuits go nicely.

i'm slowly collecting proper cups to use in place of mugs. My latest find: a set of four old Syracuse cups & saucers in "Airbrush Pink". Pretty and sturdy. i'm afraid of breaking the more delicate teacups that i admire.

If anyone here ever visits New Mexico, we'll have to get together for afternoon tea. Recommended spot: either our house, or if you like something formal, then the St. James Tearoom (http://www.stjamestearoom.com/) in Albuquerque.

There's another great spot we like in Santa Monica, CA called The Tudor House (http://thetudorhouse.com/). An extensive tea menu, wonderful nibblies, and a cool shop that's sure to please most any Anglophile.

Pax :dove:
scott

Tea in New Mexico sounds wonderful!

Loved the links! Especially the one at the St. James Tea Room on the history of various teas. I would love to try the Queen's tea- for instance.

We have our own little bit of Britain here in NYC.

http://www.teaandsympathynewyork.com/home.php

Those of you coming to the 3D gathering on Saturday, June 28th (Gay Pride is on Sunday, June 29th) might want to pop down for a spot of tea. Tea and Sympathy is on Greenwich Avenue, in the Village. A tiny but wonderful place, where, on occasion, I've seen Rupert Everett.

It's where I first heard of - and had - Tyfoo tea, as well as Yorkshire Gold.

[Daniel]

I just got back from the library here in NYC (research research research) and had a good day- meaning that I stumbled upon info that made me glad that I went and put in the hours of time trolling through database after database (writing an article on a long dead singing teacher....'call slips' from the library and the cord to the laptop are in the background in the pic below).

The reward?

A late Tea (it's 5 PM here) which entailed dragging out our first ever tea pot from a shop that no longer exists in the Village. A deco silverplate (30's) one with plastic (not ivory like the 'real thing' most likely) handles and finial (hubby snapped it up for $25.00). The lid doesn't close too neatly, but se la vie. The cup is old Lenox from Ebay.....green label...pre-1953. And I stopped at a small bakery around the corner and got a strawberry/blueberry tart.

Yum!

Oh....the tea? Darjeeling. My favorite for afternoon.

[Zerbie]

:D:D:D:D:D
:D:D:D:D:D

You make your life look so idyllic!
:D:D:D:D:D
:D:D:D:D:D

[Daniel]

You make your life look so idyllic!


I do have have a wonderful life: never thought I would live in this wonderful City, be married to my guy or have the job I do. I've been very very blessed!

So- my constant thought is to be thankful- grateful. Even if we do live into eternity, all we really know is that we have today. This moment. And tea makes for a nice moment! :D

And as one friend/counselor once said to me, the serious young man: how much fun are you having? You have to make it happen, because, if you don't, it won't.

[keltic63]

And as one friend/counselor once said to me, the serious young man: how much fun are you having? You have to make it happen, because, if you don't, it won't.

i often get asked "what did you do fun?" and it's usually on Monday morning when I go into work! then it's followed by "you're always finding those fun things to do!"

and while it's true, we do find a lot of interesting things to do, very few of them actually cost us very much money. the best things in life really are free. We've gotten the most enjoyment out of events that are either free or nominal cost. There are 4 wineries within an hour's drive of our house....tasting, at least at these wineries, is free. There are Ice festivals in the winter, parades, picnics, carnivals, art shows, craft fairs in the summer. Our own little town has a festival with music and food and crafts one weekend in Sept. and the next town has theirs the following weekend. There are flea markets, yard sales, free concerts on friday nites, and of course, friends to have dinner with, and kids to entertain. Life is full, and it is good, but like Daniel said, you do have to work at it.