I was recently
contacted by CSN stores to host a giveaway. CSN has over 200 online stores that carry
everything from bedroom decor to tv stands
to children’s toys and furniture! Check out all their stores here! They gave me a choice of items to giveaway. I fell in love with this little tea pot.
In order to win it, leave a post on my blog about one of my posts, or just saying HEY. It would be great if you followed me, as well, or subscribed. The winner will be announced Wednesday, April 7.
So why did I pick the tea pot? Well, it is lovely, isn't it? But, hot tea is a comforting mainstay for me.
The women in my life have always gathered around kitchen tables for hot tea. As a migraine sufferer, the only thing I can drink after a bad episode is Constant Comment tea. I'm sure it has something to do with three important women in my life—my mom, Aunt Mart, and Aunt Judy.
Strong Tea
their families lives,
as they sip Constant Comment
from speckled gray-brown mugs.
Spoons fish for spent bags, the fingers find tags
and wrap the muddy stained strings
around the bag, squeezing the last flavored drop.
The not-quite-silver spoons stir sugar
and clang, clang, clang, ring in their ears—singing
of money, husbands, and children.
Steam floats into the air. Tea-smell comforts
three women around the kitchen table.
Aunt Judy dribbles and giggles.
The room fills with the sound.
Mom and Aunt Mart light-up as they laugh.
Orange and icey-pink lipstick scars
white cigarettes and marks their mugs
with painted lip stain.
“The stronger, the
better” they would all say to me
between puffs, songs, and tears.
Their sounds steep into me and fill my cup—
I taste the strength.
What a lovely poem. I grew up drinking Constant Comment, and often find that I crave it, particularly on cold, damp days like today.
Tea is far more then just Tea to me.. Tea is family, Tea is Home, Tea is comfort. It’s all thats right in this world to me.. It’s seen me through good times, bad times, sad times, lonely times. Tea is just a part huge part of my life, can’t imagine life without it..
That poem is lovely!!
For me, tea was a masculine drink. Every weekend, my dad would wander into the kitchen around 4PM and say, “isn’t it about time for a pot of tea?” Then he’d make a pot of Twinings Black Currant and add lots of milk and sugar. When I went to college, I fell in love with men who drank dark, fragrant teas like Ty-Phoo and Russian Caravan–teas that smelled like leather and camels.
Good poem; it reminded me of Najah making mugwort tea before Circle, and Will’s obsession with tea. Yankee Clipper was my favorite of his discoveries. Tea is a comforting thing; it might be time for another cup.
Great post. Luv the poem and Constant Comment — thanks for sharing!
I love constant comment too, and find tea so much more comforting than any other hot drink.
My father was a stickler for proper tea making. Warm the pot, freshly boiled water only, steep 5 minutes. No dunking a bag in a cup.
Although I start my day with coffee, it’s tea later in the day and if I can have it in a cup and saucer, it’s all the better.
Thanks for sharing your tea memories.
Great post! I love tea!!
Monica
Thanks so much everybody for the kind words and sharing the tea memories. I’m drinking Constant Comment right now. Mid-morning tea…
I really enjoyed your poem. I recently have gotten into hot tea. Very soothing. I so look forward to the ritual of drinking it. Thanks for your lovely words.
HEY, Laura! I’m trying the same thing with my kids. My oldest daughter is quite a meat eater, which is hard for me. But I’ve told her she can have meat outside of the house. I REALLY don’t want to make that choice for my children. I Love Earl Grey and have recently discovered Starbucks Earl Grey Latte–to die for!
Thanks so much, Jennifer.
BTW, everybody there was a typo in the feedburner feed. It’s fixed now and you should be able to subscribe by clicking on feedburner at the bottom of the page.
Some nice herbal tea along with a piece of pie is a great thing. Even better, you can match the tea to the pie. Mmmm…pie..
Oh, Constant Comment. I haven’t had that one in a while. Looks like I’ve got another item to add to my never ending shopping list. I’m drinking Yorkshire Tea right now, and have a fondness for the dark and bitter, like PG Tips. I love Earl Grey, but only certain brands … sometimes they don’t get the bergamot ratio right.
I am just catching up on your blog–how I can relate. I love your parents’ passive aggressive (and just downright aggressive) reaction to your vegetarianism. I have similar struggles with my own parents. I hope not to do the same to my son–to accept his choices, not force my will (I mean, he’s four now, but thinking ahead …).
And HEY, Mollie! 🙂
Mollie- I, too, am a Constant Comment drinker, and as a faithful follower of you and your blog, love that it soothes you also!! I love the poem and the photo- brings to mind my mother, her sisters, and friends who have all passed on. I’ll wipe my tears now and say thank you!!
i really like ur blog and a cute poem
purple_lover_04atmsndotcom
Tea and a poem….lovely!
I like the way you think Donna–PIE and tea. Thanks so much for your kind words Jane, Jenn, and purple lover. I appreciate your support.
Wonderful post on a rainy afternoon. thank you
What a lovely teapot set you’ve chosen as your giveaway!
I dropped by and think your blog is sweet and charming. I am now a follower. I’m a kitchen-table gatherer too.
I enjoyed your poem, and … “Cheers!” back at you. 🙂
Thanks so much Deanne and Sharon. Welcome!
Such a lovely poem–oh, Mollie!
I am new to your post. I have enjoyed reading them. I too have great and fond memories of my mom and her cooking and baking. Since my mom is no longer here, God has blessed me with two women who have stepped in to ease her loss. They are my Constant Comment. I look forward to more posts. Thank you.
I found your blog through Mrs. Rowe’s Little Book of Southern Pie’s on Facebook and I love your tea pot. Very quaint and charming. I will now look around on your site, thanks for letting me browse!
Thanks everybody for your kind and inspiring words.
Hi Mollie,
Love reading your 5 thoughts while you run..hope you are well!
Good morning Mollie!
I became a serious tea drinker last year, leaving coffee to the most desperate of moments (e.g. no good tea available!). I remember my grandmother having Constant Comment with meringues & fruit with her bridge club. I used to help make the meringues.
I even came across a good tea biscuit/cookie recipe made with Constant Comment that I will have to find and share with you.
Have a great rest of the week-hope you are on spring break enjoying the weather.
PS My brother called me last week to tell me he and his daughters have made 3 pies from their Christmas gift thanks to you.
That teapot is wonderful! I’ve always loved teapots. I’d collect them if I had the space for it. Your blog looks different from the last time I was here.. lovely!
always a pleasure to read anything you’ve written … from tweets to blogs to emails to books … here’s to strong women and tea. Better together!