Amelia Draws

Tonight, on this cool, two jumpers and a dressing gown evening, I have made the first pot of tea for the season.

Water is excluded from the favourite drink list because it is by far the best drink of all. Therefore, tea is my favourite drink and a pot is extra special.

I drink more coffee than tea, but tea nourishes in a way that my dark brew cannot. It soothes in a way that my dark brew cannot.

It’s been there from my first grown up cuppa with grandma as a child. To here and now on this chill evening. When my children were young we would make elaborate teapot and snack trays. Then graze from them together while watching British Bake Off.

Its a friendly drink, steeped in ritual. From the tea party played with dolls, orange juice and tinsy little cups as kids. To the invitation of ‘fancy a cuppa?’, given to a potential new friend. This is also not to forget the elaborate tea ceremonies of great importance to cultures around the world.

It fortifies and strengthens us, with a tea in hand we can get up and face our day. It also calms, softens and stills us, with a tea in hand we can unwind.

Tea is a love language. Making someone a cup of tea is an act of generosity and care. Making someone a cup of tea is often a peace offering.

The world agrees. From country to country we seek relief in our steeped little cup of leaves. We share it in chatter or nurse it alone in solace.

I could go on, I really, really like tea.

It’s just a beautiful experience in a cup.

An experience worthy of putting the pen to the page.

**Also teapots are just cool and delightful objects. Quirky and a bit silly which all adds to the charm of tea.