something about a tea party

When the girls were little, they loved having tea parties. They had valentine teas, teddy bear teas, summer garden teas. They could (and did) attach almost any theme to tea, whip out the tiny tea cups, and Voila! a tea party. 

The girls are all grown (or almost), but they (we) still love a pretty tea table. Now it's a time and space to slow down, to talk, to laugh, to knit, to savor warm cranberry bread and chai latte (or a cafe au lait for me). -- Just what we needed this Sunday afternoon after a somewhat busy, stressful few weeks. 

 The tea set and tablecloth are from Austria, where I spent the early years of my life.

 This afternoon tea was her idea...

In Austria, with my sister, where we also spent many happy hours having tea parties.

one year

Our 2nd daughter, Laura, married Michael, one year ago today! In one year, they married, moved to London where Michael finished his Masters at London School of Economics, squeezed in a honeymoon trip to the Amalfi coast, and moved back to Denver where Laura is finishing her degree at DU. They've had quite a year! It's been lovely having them close these last few months. Happy year one, Laura and Michael! May you always "love the gaze of each other's mind." 

new

I spent yesterday putting away the Christmas decorations and dutifully dusting a few nooks and crannies that were desperately needing it. It was a different Christmas than I had expected, yet also sweet in the giving and receiving. We went to Angel Fire, NM to be with my parents and siblings. Christmas day, the cousins chose a tree from the cabin's lot and decorated it with handmade ornaments.

I was able to find some perfect gifts for the girls (thanks to a very generous jar from an anonymous giver). We were so surprised and thankful that we decided to keep a Christmas jar for someone next year. Here are a few that were fun to give and to open!

Lea wearing her cute glasses--a gift from her early morning stocking. 

Michael, reading Truman Capote

I found a great deal on Oxfords and owls (necklace)...isn't she pretty??

I love the striped top she found for me! Notice the buttons (I love buttons :-)!)

Michael and Laura are full of beautiful and exciting dreams, so I was elated to find the perfect bird teapot and cup for Laura (wish I had taken a picture!), with Aristotle's words, "Hope is a waking dream" inscribed inside the tea cup. Isn't that a lovely idea?

 Lynnae and I exchanged favorite books. Gilead for her (I love this book too) and a book of blessing for me.

Finally, for those of you who check here every now and then, thanks so much for stopping by and for your comments of love and support. Happiest 2011~

"...may a slow

Wind work these words

Of love around you,

An invisible cloak

To mind your life."

-- To Bless the Space Between Us