The Tuesday Tea, Antique Tray

I think this may be the most beautiful tea cup in my collection.

The next paragraph may sound like an editorial or an opinion column, maybe it is. Talking to a friend recently who expressed such angst over the weather, the winter, the cold and dreary days I felt like I was living in a different place. After the conversation I realized that some time I ago I changed my approach to the dark and cold winters here. I am not fond of the long winter by any means, but I have found ways to cope. Of course, since I sew, quilt, knit etc., I have multiple time fillers, actually too many but truly I feel so fortunate, blessed even to be able to fill my time with creative pursuits, things that I enjoy doing, little rituals that embrace the season rather than bemoan it. I hope you feel the same. As Sewists, we have a special advantage where we can use our projects to balance our lives. It gives us stimulation, exercises our mental faculties and provides a sense of accomplishment. I am so glad I discovered the fabric arts! OK, I'm done. 

During the cold weather months, tea time is a mid-afternoon event on week-ends or an after dinner time during the busy week in Sewtopia. It is a time when Husband and I get to talk about the days events. Curled up on a big chair with a quilt or knitted blanket in front of a fire with my cup of tea, now that is a little bit of heaven to me. There is usually a knitting or crochet project nearby. There are also two dogs curled in front of the fire. To re-center and re-focus our lives sometimes just a few minutes in a favorite ritual resets the pace. With all of life's distractions we can get lost, become desensitized and forget what is important. I hope you have such a time in your life or are considering something similar to enhance the quality of your time. Enjoy the "nesting" season, rather than be emotionally blunted by the over cast days and early nightfall, find ways to make the time productive and memorable. Since I have been ill and housebound for a week, I fear I am becoming too reflective. So lets move on, now the tea tray.
 
This tray is very old. The frame is wood, carved with a continuous border pattern. Under the clear glass is a hand painted paper. Passed through my Father's family, my Mother gave it to me last summer. It is not particularly pretty, but it does have history. Little metal handles of some sort on each side, it is a bit fragile. Not one I use for everyday.

Both teacups for this week are Lenox.

the flowers on this one are so faint they are barely visible, they are raised a bit, in a relief impression.

as above

Lace Point

From my Mother's Family, 100 year old cut glass sugar and creamer. They are very thick and heavy, one of my Mother's prize possessions. 

Let there be light. I have swapped out the Hogscraper candlestick lamp for this teapot lamp. The light is brighter, better. A birthday gift from a dear friend, it is perfect for this spot. Tea time for one and all.   

All-righty-then, lets go make some tea, pick up the blanket I'm knitting (which I am going to call the Tea Blanket because the only time I work on it is during our "Tea Time") and enjoy the day.