There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged
to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.
-Nelson Mandela
Have you ever been in a situation where all of a sudden something happens, you are given a new piece of information and then it’s like something clicks into place inside of you and you’re looking at your world with whole new eyes? Well, it’s been that kind of eye opening week for me that has rocked the very foundation of my psyche. The universe is showing me a whole new direction these days. Maybe that is part of turning 50. So, after my week, this morning I decided on a nice strong cup of tea, a Ceylon black from Homadola estate.
This tea is produced in the Ruhuna district of Sri Lanka, an area located in the southwestern tip of the island, with an elevation between sea level and 2,000 feet. Most Ceylons black teas are produced in a higher elevation which gives them a lighter, brisk flavor. Most people are familiar with Ceylon tea in a teabag.
This low growing district produces very strong, dark teas that are usually accented with silver tips. Their flavor reminds me more of a China black than a Ceylon tea. The aroma is very rich and sweet with a slight hint of cocoa. The leaves are large broken pieces, some uncurling after steeping. I brewed this tea in boiling water for 4 minutes. The liquor is very rich and dark with earthy, cocoa notes. It stands up very well to milk or cream.
This tea reminds us to be strong, fill our lives with richness and be grounded in our connection to the earth.
Art and Tea 
in the past couple of years I’ve become familiar with the type of situation you describe. Have often felt it’s connected to the half-century mark. Really love that turquoise cab! It glows so beautifully and I think the elegant simplicity of the way you’ve framed it is perfect.
Thanks Acey, I thought it was probably connected with this half century mark. I’m going through a lot of changes lately, shedding old skins and growing new ones.
Thanks for your feedback about the cab. I have a little bit more beadwork to add before it goes onto a necklace like the other one.
I used to think that the only way to set a cab was to surround it with silver. While that is a beautiful way to present it, it’s not the only way! đŸ™‚
Turning 50 is indeed a milestone, Karen ! There really is a lot of truth to the common cliche that we become ‘aware of our mortality’. I have been trying to make the shift from being ‘destination oriented’ to being ‘journey oriented’, if that makes any sense…not always easy in this competitive world !
I know exactly what you mean, Dora. I think our everyday linear world can be very destination orientated whereas our artistic world is more about the journey and the process. While our artistic pieces are an expression of our voice, it is our artistic process that shapes who we are.
That Nelson Mandela quote is interesting – that happens to me all the time!
It’s fascinating, isn’t it, how that happens? đŸ™‚