Forget Me Nots & French Vanilla

Hello Tea Friends,
It's hard to believe that February is almost over! This month flew by for me and I'm sorry I didn't get to post more.

Two weeks ago I met a longtime friend for tea and she gifted me two of her late aunt's Shelley teacups. Her aunt was first generation Italian American and hosted tea parties. None of the other relatives wanted her eclectic set of English bone china teacups, so my friend generously gave me the two Shelleys and she kept the rest of the collection. Both of the teacups have been used which is unusual for Shelleys, and I'm certainly glad. I'm actually going to use this teacup for my weekend tea time. What a treat to drink from a Shelley! It will also be a beautiful addition to my tea party cups. I hope this teacup creates more tales in its new home. 

Let me introduce you to...

Shelley ~ Forget Me Not

Pattern #0442

Warwick Cup Shape

Similar to the Dainty Shape-but fewer pronounced curves
Personally I love designs within the cups!

This pattern was produced for the Canadian market and entered into the pattern book during or after 1963.

While looking at this drawing, I realize that I've never seen a real forget me not plant. Now I must be on the lookout for one.
Here are some interesting and trivial facts I learned about this flowering plant:

What Does the Forget Me Not Flower Mean?

• True and undying love
• Remembrance during partings or after death
• A connection that lasts through time
• Fidelity and loyalty in a relationship, despite separation or other challenges
• Reminders of your favorite memories or time together with another person
• Growing affection between two people
• Honoring the Armenian Genocide
• Helping patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
• Caring for the poor, disabled, and needy

Above information from floweringmeaning.com

I look forward to this weekend's tea time with my "new" vintage teacup along with one of my favorite teas.

After Harney and Son's "Paris" black tea, my second favorite tea is a French Vanilla black tea I purchase at a local tearoom. Unfortunately they always seem to be out of stock of this flavor or do not have enough in stock for me to purchase. 

So I did some detective work and learned that the owner of the tea room completed some training from Bruce Richardson, co-owner of Elmwood Inn Fine Teas. I'm hoping this is where she purchases her teas.

They do have a French Vanilla tea and hopefully it is the same one as my local favorite.

The tin arrived today (I ordered it Friday afternoon-fast delivery) and I see the signature sunflower petals! What I love about this tea is its natural, ever so slight sweet taste. So many vanilla teas taste artificially sweet to me.

Well, I'm off to make a cuppa and keeping my fingers crossed that it is my beloved tea.

Treat yourself to a warm cup of tea on these chilly mornings and evenings.

Nora

*I've recently discovered this wonderful blog about vintage goods. Kathleen hosts a Vintage Charm party each Wednesday! 
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