Jul

30

A Few Favorites

July 30, 2008 | 2 Comments

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Just a little peak at a few of my favorite items that we’ll be stocking. I’ve mentioned Beatrice Hohenegger’s book Liquid Jade in previous posts—like this one. It’s one of my favorites on the subject so far.

Tokoname Kyusu are one of my tea romances for sure—especially the quality handcrafted types. They’re perfect for brewing Japanese teas, and since my entry into heavy tea exploration came in the form of Japanese green teas many years ago, these pots hold a permanent place on my list of favorites.

McVitie’s Digestives are the absolute best tea biscuits for an afternoon with a fine Darjeeling or a bright Ceylon; no milk or sugar in these particular teas for me, just the subtle sweetness of the biscuit. But they are equally good in the morning with a hearty Assam and a dash of milk. I have to control myself when we open a fresh pack of these gems. And, they don’t have any hydrogenated garbage in them.

Hope all is well with you. We await word on our plan submittal, so please hang in there. I know, I know!

Thanks for checking in.

- James

Jul

23

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I’ve meant to post about this for a few weeks now, but Passage to Peace is a series of tea-related shorts done by Jesse Jacobs of Samovar Tea in San Francisco. The blurb below was taken from the Samovar site and gives you the motivation behind the series. I think it’s a great idea and definitely worth checking out. It’s also worth checking out Samovar if you’re ever in San Francisco. I go several times whenever I’m up there, and I always enjoy it.

About Passage to Peace: In this compelling podcast, owner Jesse Jacobs explores the reverberations of how one cup of tea serenely enjoyed influences peace throughout the world. Visiting with modern Tea Masters, Jacobs uncovers the mysterious roots of today’s highly sought-after tea experience and sheds light on the dark elixir’s calming effects. Episodes include using tea to bridge cultural and political gaps, perfect pairings of tea and food, Teas of Japan, Morocco, and discovering the tea culture behind the tea culture in the San Francisco Bay area. Put the water on, grab a warm cup of contentment, and you’ll soon find yourself relaxed and educated by this lively series.

Thanks for checking in.

- James

Jul

11

Symbolism

July 11, 2008 | 1 Comment

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Yes, it means things are indeed moving forward. One step closer to opening the doors. Believe me, we are as excited and impatient as everyone who asks when we’re opening. We had to submit plans for some involved plumbing work (sinks, sinks, and more sinks), and in the meantime it’s business as usual with orders arriving, spring crop teas ready to ship, etc.

The website build-out continues along with the shop. We will indeed keep everyone updated with every aspect of our progress. We have really appreciated all of the support and encouragement from so many people. We have also been fortunate to work with some really great people at every stage of the development. When all is said and done I will post a list of everyone who has had a hand in making Halcyon Tea a reality. We love tea and all that it entails, but it’s the people that will ultimately make this endeavor worthwhile.

We also love birds; here’s to hoping our sign doesn’t become a perch for the messy sort.

As always, thanks for checking in.

- James

Jul

2

Goes Well With…

July 2, 2008 | 3 Comments

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I can’t help but see this and immediately get up from my desk to prepare a cup of fresh spring sencha. It’s the perfect mid-morning respite, time to collect thoughts and reflect on what really is most important in life. For me, it’s family and the fact that life is ephemeral. Taking time to settle down reminds me of the big picture when it’s easy to get wrapped up in the smaller things. A large number of small things can add up to significant weight when they remain in the confines of the micro tasks at hand. I consistently sit back, zoom out, and open a wider lens to the expanse of the big picture. Look upward and outward and you instantly breathe a little deeper. The little things fall away to the larger perspective, and you re-connect to the stuff that really matters.

I did just take some time with a pot of sencha, so I guess that’s where it took me. Hope you’re enjoying your mid-week and preparing for some holiday downtime.

Thanks for checking in.

- James