Tea and Simplicity

It is often said that the simplest things in life bring us the greatest happiness...and I do believe this to be true. For me, one of those cherished "simplicities" is afternoon tea. 

Every afternoon for as many years as I can recall, I have stopped to enjoy a cup of afternoon tea. In every job I have held, I have had a little "tea corner" in my classroom or my office. A small tea pot..several vintage cups and saucers... a brewer in which to heat water.. sometimes a small tin of homemade scones or tea cakes.  So...even the workplace would not interrupt my tea time....albeit brief! Of course, the word would soon spread..and co-workers..in need of a boost ...would often find themselves on my doorstep!! A cup of tea creates such lovely friendships...

This refreshing interlude gave me the "boost" and certainly the inspiration I needed to rejuvenate my spirit...which so often lags in the midst of a busy day..

Of course...one of my great joys is being able to enjoy tea shoppes...either for high tea... or merely as a place to shop and browse...tea pots, cups and saucers, new tea blends...

My first high tea experience was in the Bahamas...at the British Colonial Hilton in Nassau... that amazing experience set the stage for my love of high tea...or any semblance thereof!

I call this my "Love Affair with Tea"... and so it was with some serendipity...that I came upon a most lovely tea shoppe in a small and charming town of Lititz, Pennsylvania in the famed Lancaster County.

A Tea Affair...tea shoppe and dining room... is completely charming...the selection of loose teas and tea items is a delight , and the decor is both colorful and tranquil.... The owners are very friendly and also quite knowledgeable about their tea blends.. Such a refreshing interlude as one shops along the many little unique boutiques in this charming town.

Their Garden Tea lunch menu is one of several excellent selections...and offers scones.. tea sandwiches, homemade soups...tiny cakes..and of course a wonderful pot of tea! 

Enjoying tea and lunch at The Tea Affair is nothing short of captivating! Lilting French music plays softly in the background...the service is friendly..and one can just relax and enjoy the experience without rushing...

On a recent  summer's afternoon visit...when the outside temps were in the high 90s... I was served a most refreshing chilled gazpacho soup...

. Wherever you may find yourself, take a moment to enjoy a simple cup of tea....