Comforts of Home

 Happy New Year!

I can't think of a time when I was so looking forward to a year ending. 2020 was a challenge in so many ways that no one could have predicted. It's my hope that the vaccine brings some normalcy to all of our lives in 2021. My heart goes out to all who have lost loved ones due to COVID or are suffering themselves. I truly understand that my post and this blog are pretty insignificant in terms of what others are experiencing. 

Since March, like many of you, my home became my workplace. I had to create an area that was functional and one where my work materials didn't intrude into every room. It was important to me to do this to maintain balance. I am fortunate to have such a space.

I've never considered myself a homebody until now. I love to travel, visit friends, go to tearooms and antique shopping adventures, but this time period allowed me to learn a bit more about myself and discover that I'm actually content being at home. Good tea and a great book really keeps me happy! Shelter in place has given me the opportunity to slow down and reflect on many things. So many outings I attended pre-COVID were actually obligations that really didn't bring joy to me. Being released from these obligations, I realize how much time I have that can be spent on reading, cooking, crafts and chatting with true friends on Zoom.

My morning begins with a pot of tea that I bring into my home office. I vary the teas I drink for some variety because working from home can feel very repetitive. Drinking from a cherished teacup is a treat and one I didn't do when on the work site.

This featured teacup is Royal Albert in the poinsettia pattern. You can read more about this teacup and my other Christmas patterned teacups in this 2018 post.

While I do enjoy a variety of tea flavors and types, my morning standby is French Vanilla from Elmwood Inn in Kentucky. I discovered this tea at my local tearoom. The proprietor would never share where she purchased her teas, but with some clues I figured out the source. French Vanilla is a smooth black tea with a hint of natural sweetness from the vanilla. Elmwood Inn has a huge assortment of teas and they offer classes as well. Check them out! More than ever I am really trying to support small businesses.

Thank you tea friends for reading my post and staying with me during my "sabbatical" from blogging. I have missed you. While I love to blog and read all of your amazing blogs, I realize that I'm on a computer more than I want to be. I'm open to any suggestions that work for you in terms of your blogging schedule and keeping screen time to a minimum.

Cheers to wonderful tea times that await us in 2021,

Nora