Virtual Earl Grey

Good morning!


I'm enjoying Earl Grey today. And that's kind of a big deal because the one tea I thought I hated was Earl Grey. I started drinking tea sort of youngish, like maybe junior high, because there are ladies in my family who like to go to tea. Back then, I worked my way into their tradition of going to tea for special occasions. Birthdays, showers, graduations, any excuse, really. And I have to confess, I love going to tea. I love everything about it and I don't think it's snooty. Cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches are my favorite. Then lemon tarts. But back in the day, I hated Earl Grey.

Just like a week ago (I'm not kidding) I tried it. It was the yummiest thing ever! Took me twenty years to develop an appreciation, I guess. Today I bought a nice fresh box from Peets. Earl Grey with Bergamot. Delish, people. I've grown as a person.

So here's what's on my mind this lovely Tuesday, since you asked, and since you're enjoying a hot cup of something with me....

I want to start collecting typewriter mugs. Too specific for a collection? Maybe. Shauna, my pal, found me my first one in the dollar bin at Michael's. It rocks, and says "write your own story" on it. And the one at the top needs to be it's friend, don't you think? I discovered this etsy shop sells them.

Also, I want to find some sort of online spiritual gifts test for kids. Know of one? I saw this one and it seemed good. I'm pretty sure my 3rd grader could answer the questions. No way my K-gartner could. But it is my big girl I'm interested in, for now, anyway.

I suspect she has the gift of mercy, sometimes called the gift of compassion. And here's why it jumps out at me: 'cause I definitely don't have it. She can look at a sad situation, or a hurting person, or an impoverished community and feel compelled to do something about it. Of course, it's in a childlike way. But it's still her drive. Her inclination. She sees ways to help, she believes she can help, and she will take initiative. That's why two years ago at Thanksgiving, she drafted up a letter without my knowledge and read it to all the guests asking for money for the food boxes our church was going to hand out at Christmas to the needy. She was 6, and she made about $200 on the spot. Blew me away, not that she could do it, but that she thought to do it at all.

Last night I took her to an art & worship night that was being held to fund raise for a group going to Kenya. They were going to visit a brand new fresh water well the church had funded in a village there. I want to keep exposing my daughter to the ways in which people with her vision use it in our world. And a lot of the people going on this trip are highschoolers, not that many years older than she. I think it is so important for her to see older kids responding to God, using their gifts, and making an impact on the world. It became a great teachable moment, about which I will write more later.

Also, SPRING is on my mind. I'm getting spring fever. Are you? I want to repaint, I want to nest, I want to clean out cabinets. I want to wear a strappy dress. I want to trade shoes for sandals. UGH. I'm itching! Listening to this mix I made last summer is actually really helping me start to feel it. It contains enough silliness to break me out of the winter blues. I offered to make copies for my followers last year, when I had like ten of them. Wish I could do that now, but my husband pointed out that it was possibly a teensy bit illegal. Shhh. 

And here's one more bit of springy loveliness: tidbit dresses!  If you need one for a little lady in your life, check out our cake & cotton post.

Thank you for sharing your morning and your thoughts with me!

enjoy tea with Christi at Tea on Tuesday

and coffee with Amy

and all the other pretty ladies linking up today at Virtual Coffee