Last night, after many months explaining the health benifits of tea and constant invitations to join me at Happy Lucky’s Tea House, two members of my Fibromyalgia Support Group showed up at the tea bar!
I was so elated!
Like most (if not all) our group members, these ladies don’t leave their homes unless it’s necessary. It’s just too painful to move and walk even short distances, and a sort of brain fog is a common side effect that comes and goes…making it embarrassing to dialog with other people.
I know how hard it is to function, but being alone is worse!
We sat at the bar where I introduced my friends who graciously served us tea and explained how tea benefits health. Eric served some of his personal tea from a gaiwan before we ordered an herbal blend and finished with Chocolate Aire.
As much as my friends enjoyed the new world of tea, which they did, was gift of inclusion offered to them in the tea shop. They were not outsiders looking in, but accepted. This is what I love about my tea shop, many beloved tea vendors and the people here on Steepster!
It was ‘Food Walk’ evening in Old Town. This is an evening where many shops give out free samples of food as you walk through town every third Friday of the month, and it’s fun! There was a Fall ’Apple" theme, with Apple Pie Tea at the tea shop.
The ladies wanted to try a walk around 1 block. Can you imagine not knowing if your body can take the pain of 1 block?
Off we went to the cheese shop for apples and goat cheese and chedder, then a spice shop for cherries with 5 spice and apple cider…past the outdoor concert where families were dancing and a booth with childrens meals had the biggest Rice Krispie Treats I’ve ever seen!
We made our way in and out around and back to Walnut Street where Happy Lucky’s is located, watching the hummingbird moths gather nectar in the flowers.
Our evening cost under $4 for a pot of tea but was priceless for the joy it gave me to share with these ladies.
Tea is my amazing friend, but it’s meant to be shared.
A note on sharing: (Many already do this, some may like to begin)
When I read about sip-downs it makes me a bit sad, as though tea is something to be gotten rid of. Forgotten, old, unwanted tea once enjoyed or loved.
Consider, instead of ‘sipping down’ unwanted tea’s, could they be sent to a student or struggling Steepster short on funds to buy tea? Newer Steepsters would benefit from the run-off from many of our overstocked, bursting cupboards too. Swapping isn’t always necessary. When one person has nothing in their cupboard to swap gifting would be an act of hospitality! This is the way of tea.
People who liked this
Comments
Your stories are a great read always. Thanks for sharing.
I know tea is something that I drink and I’ve reviewed this one earlier, but the sharing part is just as important…and I can’t help myself…I hope everyone will try and find a place to meet-up with other tea drinkers!
I took the virtual tour of Happy Lucky’s. It is a awesome environment. I would love to see it full of friends (new and old). Post some pictures, if you haven’t already. Provide a link if you have. I so do understand your ladies group. A block might as well be a mile. Often when we go out, if I can’t park a couple spots from the door – I drive off and come back later. Strangely comforting to know others understand and don’t judge.
KS glad you took a look. If you check pinterest or Facebook under Bonnie Johnstone you can find pictures of the shop. I go to the shop at 4:30 Fri. Nite right before town gets crowded for parking. There’s a parking structure a block away which is free on weekends and always free the first two hours when you go to tea otherwise. I use a cane for sidewalk stability. Getting to know your community helps and becoming a regular. There are events going on almost every weekend right outside the door of the tea shop…free and fun!
http://flic.kr/p/dk1JWZ Here’s some flicker photo’s
I clicked on the happy lucky’s set link from the above. There are some pics of the packed house. I can’t even imagine being able to share the passion/addiction/love of tea with a crowd like that. So awesome. Thanks for sharing.
They have a big room in the back, the tea bar and tables outside and in the front. Works out. I know from experience when it’s really busy and when it’s not. I bring tea for tasting with the guys at quiet times and Friday evening is more of a Pub Crawl with a bit more noise and meeting of friends. Friday finally quiets down…but it’s all fun!
I hope everyone knows that I’m not trying to brag about my local shop, it’s not mine…I’m fortunate to have it! I write about it so that people will get together and create their own place to share or look for a shop that has a heart like mine! There are fine shops out there if people look for them! Stay away from the commercial chain stores if you want to find the real deal tea shops!
really sweet post
I love reading your Tea Notes,but this is especially lovely
Thank you CelebriTEA!
Your stories are a great read always. Thanks for sharing.
I know tea is something that I drink and I’ve reviewed this one earlier, but the sharing part is just as important…and I can’t help myself…I hope everyone will try and find a place to meet-up with other tea drinkers!
I took the virtual tour of Happy Lucky’s. It is a awesome environment. I would love to see it full of friends (new and old). Post some pictures, if you haven’t already. Provide a link if you have. I so do understand your ladies group. A block might as well be a mile. Often when we go out, if I can’t park a couple spots from the door – I drive off and come back later. Strangely comforting to know others understand and don’t judge.
KS glad you took a look. If you check pinterest or Facebook under Bonnie Johnstone you can find pictures of the shop. I go to the shop at 4:30 Fri. Nite right before town gets crowded for parking. There’s a parking structure a block away which is free on weekends and always free the first two hours when you go to tea otherwise. I use a cane for sidewalk stability. Getting to know your community helps and becoming a regular. There are events going on almost every weekend right outside the door of the tea shop…free and fun!
http://flic.kr/p/dk1JWZ Here’s some flicker photo’s
I clicked on the happy lucky’s set link from the above. There are some pics of the packed house. I can’t even imagine being able to share the passion/addiction/love of tea with a crowd like that. So awesome. Thanks for sharing.
They have a big room in the back, the tea bar and tables outside and in the front. Works out. I know from experience when it’s really busy and when it’s not. I bring tea for tasting with the guys at quiet times and Friday evening is more of a Pub Crawl with a bit more noise and meeting of friends. Friday finally quiets down…but it’s all fun!
I hope everyone knows that I’m not trying to brag about my local shop, it’s not mine…I’m fortunate to have it! I write about it so that people will get together and create their own place to share or look for a shop that has a heart like mine! There are fine shops out there if people look for them! Stay away from the commercial chain stores if you want to find the real deal tea shops!
really sweet post
I love reading your Tea Notes,but this is especially lovely
Thank you CelebriTEA!