This is a selection of my tea paraphernalia. The one I use on a daily basis is the large mug there with the viney yellow flowers, although it’s not really all that large. I have two that are larger, but one holds my pens and the other (my very favorite snowman mug) went missing when we moved.

Second is the green tea cup that is attached to my tea strainer that I use for my loose teas. I have been much better at remembering to clean it out and rinse it than I used to be.

The third one, the teeny tiny one in the center was a recent gift from a friend. It is a necklace that she sent along with some crafty cupcakes (that I did not photograph) to keep with me during my special tea times in memory of my friend that I’ve written about before.

And last, but not least, this ceramic piece was given to me for Christmas by my best friend. His was the roommate murdered (who I write about fairly often and shared tea time with her memory) and she made this tea cup, so it is very special to me. It was kind of funny, but two years ago, I was visiting my friend and he gave me his bedroom for the week, and this cup was on his shelves. I remember seeing it, and I knew that B had made it.

I picked it up and held it, staring at it for a long while. I put it back exactly as I had found it and I never mentioned it to my friend. I was incredibly touched that he somehow knew that this would be so meaningful to me when he sent it as part of my gift, although I shouldn’t have been too surprised; he has a sixth sense about him and often knows me better than I know myself.