Of Course You Love Me: Sudo

According to dog experts, the Italian Greyhound has a gentle personality, loving and affectionate with family members. We've found this to be true with our house guest, Sudo. Essentially, she believes that she is the center of the universe with an endearing attitude of "of course you love me". The world revolves around Sudo these days, and everyone is happy with that occurrence. She sleeps burrowed deep under a quilt or blanket during her naps. At night she burrows beneath the covers of a human bed, cuddling close. But she is particular about who she'll sleep with. She has a mind of her own. She likes to sleep in, but once she wakes up she acts as delighted as can be to see you! It's like she cannot wiggle fast enough. Such joy! Her favorite place to sit and be is perched on the chest of a human. It goes with her "of course you love me" attitude. But, if you put her down or tell her to move along, she cheerfully goes without a second thought. Ms. Schnauzer is slowly adjusting and is coming out of hiding more and more. They had several fun "romp and play" sessions today with Sudo essentially dancing around Ms. Schnauzer who thought she was being active, but compared to Sudo was quite dignified and proper. Sudo's been a pleasure to have around. She's even learning to like it outside and has learned how to walk on green grass without stepping quite so high. But more about that another time. . .

Little Miss Sudo

The granddoggy, Sudo, has come to visit for awhile. Her master and mistress will be traveling to places she cannot go, so she's staying at our house. Ms. Schnauzer is not too pleased and chooses to stay out of Sudo's way and to ignore her the best she can. But Sudo is delighted to have a doggy companion for awhile. As far as Sudo is concerned, Ms. Schnauzer is the "cat's meow". Sudo is still a puppy, and her energy levels verify that! Last night she was romping and playing with delight in the dark house. This morning revealed the last of a toilet paper roll shredded all over the living room floor and the cardboard tube that was inside all chewed up. But she's so sweet, you just have to love her anyway! I chalk it all up to "being excited to be here" and hope it is not an indication of nights to come! She is a constant companion and a bundle of energy. I took more than a dozen pictures of her today, and all of them are a blurry blob except for the one above. There will be lots of excitement around here for awhile! 

The Boy's Cup

In a pocket of his knapsack he'd found a last half packet of cocoa and he fixed it for the boy and then poured his own cup with hot water and sat blowing at the rim.

You promised not to do that, the boy said.

What?

You know what, Papa.

He poured the hot water back into the pan and took the boy's cup and poured some of the cocoa into his own and then handed it back.

I have to watch you all the time, the boy said.

Cormac McCarthy
The Road


S E L F L E S N E S S 

Friendships Coat

Angel in disguise frocked in friendships coat,

Come and rest awhile, read my welcome note.

For here you are safe to eat, drink, and sleep,

Sheltered in our home, promises to keep.

The promise of His spoken from above,

"Take care of strangers, abide in My love."

Angel wings rustle, my heart skips a beat.

At our open door stands someone to greet.

Patsy Clairmont

Tea in the Kitchen

"Afterwards, they always had tea in the kitchen, much the nicest room in the house."

Flora Thompson

Brimming with Hospitality

I hope you have a day that is brimming with hospitality! Since autumn is in the air, it's time to bring on the pumpkin spice, apples, and cranberries. Here's a recipe for an autumn tea that I think you'll enjoy:

Spicy Apple Cranberry Tea

3 tea bags

3 cups boiling water

3 cups unsweetened apple juice

1 1/3 cups cranberry juice

3 Tbsp. sugar

3 Tbsp. lemon juice

1/8 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

Place tea bags in a teapot, add boiling water, cover, and steep for 4 minutes. Remove tea bags and discard. Pour tea into large pitcher. Add remaining ingredients. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.

Pour a serving portion into a saucepan and heat to a simmer. Serve hot. Or may be served chilled over ice if desired.

Enjoy!

Learning About Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony

Sally and I were invited to Marilyn's house to participate in a Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony. Marilyn meets with a group of friends once a month for this tea ceremony. Guests are always welcome. How honored Sally and I felt to be invited to attend along with several other guests.

Jan spent time with us before the ceremony, showing us tea-ware that is used for the Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony and explaining how the process works.

Jan even had hand-outs and brochures! She was a great teacher!

The tea ware included a gongfu tea pot, a bowl or pitcher, four small cups, a tray, a thermos, a dishcloth, four individual coasters, a timer, and appropriate wrappings and totes.

Linda came all the way from Kentucky to enjoy the experience with us!

I enjoyed the different styles and designs of gong-fu tea sets. Although a specific type of tea service is used for the Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony, there is latitude for self-expression in design and pattern of tea-ware used.

Dewey also instructed us on Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony, concentrating on techniques and etiquette. Both Jan and Dewey have made many trips to Taiwan where they learned about this tea ceremony from a wise tea master.

Here Dewey demonstrates cup placement and how to bow in respect to the person she has served.

Dewey and the other group members were kind and gentle, helping us learn the Wu-Wo technique in an instructive manner that made us feel welcome and comfortable.

Please stop by again. In my next post I will be writing about the mechanics of Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony.

Take Charge of Happiness

"To invite a person into your house is to take charge of his happiness for as long as he is under your roof."

A. Brillat-Savarin

There is so much truth to this statement! Truly, the essence of gracious hospitality.

Photo: Paula's antique shop

Gracious Hospitality [Marion Cabell Tyree Style]

The story of Marion Cabell Tyree can be read in this interesting post on the Diamond Hill Historical Society website. I was especially drawn to this post because of two statements quoted here. I think you will understand when you read them:

 The couple had “a beautiful and comfortable home in which they dispensed in the most gracious and genial manner that hospitality for which old Virginia was famous.”

and

Like other Virginia cookbook authors, Mrs. Tyree capitalized on the reputation of gracious Virginia hospitality derived from the Cavaliers who first settled here.

 And this is most interesting to me, and possibly to you as well ~

According to her, Virginia hospitality was opulent as a Royal Colony.   When we declared our independence, its citizens “discarded all the showy extravagance of the old, and retaining only inexpensive graces, they succeeded in perfecting that system which surviving to this day, has ever been noted for its beautiful and elegant simplicity.

 Enjoy and have a blessed day!

People may not remember what you said or did, but they will always remember how you made them feel.  

Author Unknown

In Tea

 

In Tea the host is simplicity and the guest elegance.
If all is done in sincerity it is better
than a thousand graces.

~ Matsudaria Naritada ~

*Click on photo to enlarge*

The Way of Tea

"What is the most wonderful thing for people like myself who follow the Way of Tea? 

 My answer: the oneness of host and guest created through 'meeting heart to heart' and sharing a bowl of tea."

Soshitsu Sen
Grand Master XIV
Urasenke School of Tea

Hospitality's Greeting

Come in the evening, 
or come in the morning,
Come when you're 
looked for, or come
without warning,
Kisses and welcome
you'll find here
before you
And the oftener you
come here the more
I'll adore you.

From an Irish Proverb
Thomas O. Davis  

Photo:  Old Country Roses doll-size tea set. 

A Cordial and Generous Reception

Cordial and generous reception of or disposition toward guests; the definition of hospitality.   Do you know someone who is the essence of hospitality?  Someone whose greeting as you enter their front door shares welcome and a generous spirit?  Such a hostess makes guests feel welcome and well-cared for as soon as they enter the front door.  Their home home is warm and inviting.  Fragrant scents waft through their kitchen to the far reaches of their home and gracious hospitality is registered there.

In her book, The Spirit of Loveliness, Emile Barnes talks about the spirit of the kitchen. She says that whatever the season, it takes so little to make room for the warm, comforting spirit of the kitchen in our everyday lives. According to Emilie, setting a pretty breakfast table or food bar with placemats sends out good signals. Sharing secrets and concerns over tea, dinner, or the dishes helps us draw closer in love to one another. If you take the time to nurture it, the spirit of loveliness can rest in every cupboard and every countertop, transforming your life and your home with delicious warmth.

Emilie has found this secret to hospitality's essence. May we also find the spirit of the kitchen and its hospitality in our daily lives.

 

Welcoming Touches

 

Welcoming touches throughout a home tell family and friends "I am so glad you are here".  I frequently think of home decorating as a process of layering.  Decorating happens from the structure of walls, windows, and flooring, to the necessary elements like lighting and window coverings.  The next layer are the furnishings that fill the spaces of the home.  This becomes the palate for the elements that make your home uniquely you --- the finishing touches that create welcome and personalize each space.   Starting at the front door, wreaths or baskets of blooms can welcome the guest.  They don't have to be elaborate or fancy; a simple or rustic arrangement will do.  Throughout the house, pretty plants or floral bouquets can be tucked in corners or added to small tables here and there.  A chalk board in a kitchen center, a pretty tin of pencils, a gathering of objects by theme, and candles grouped by height on a pretty tray can exude "welcome" to those who enter into your home.  Look around the space where you live.   Is there a cozy throw nearby that someone can curl up with to read a book?  A board game in view that can signal old-time, slow-paced, relaxing fun. Even an ottoman can signal to guests that you would like them to stay awhile as they put up their feet and read from the interesting magazines set in a basket nearby.  Tiny touches.  Welcome!  

Reluctant Spring

 

"Reluctantly spring makes her way.  At winter's edge she hesitates, as if she feared to come too soon.  The primrose halts, the wind-flower waits, for spring's green cloak is flecked with snow, and in her tresses wild and bright -- a dew of frost glints in the gold and sparkles in the sun's cold light."

~ Patience Strong ~

Although spring is a reluctant entertainer, a teacup and saucer in snowdrop theme can bring simple joy and gracious hospitality to those who patiently wait for its arrival.

Laurentian Snowdrop

Royal Albert Bone China

England

The Little Things. . .

Little details make a special occasion, like weddings, even more delightful. I'm finding that the weddings attended in which the guest is treated with grace and thoughtfulness are the most memorable. Yes, a wedding is for the bride and groom, but in a sense they are hosting a special event that brings many from far and wide, and at great expense for some. Showing care for the guest creates an atmosphere of mutual love and respect. In this case, the little details become great tokens of thoughtfulness. It's the little things, like having a photographer take a photo of each guest as they arrive for a wedding album or having cold tea and lemonade for the guests while they are waiting for wedding photos to be taken before the reception starts, that makes guests feel valued and as though they are an important part of a special day. Tokens don't need to be expensive or large. Something homemade or handmade can express great care in a simple way. I'm appreciating raspberry-rhubarb jam and apple-cinnamon toast topper in their beautifully decorated jars right now, and will open them and enjoy them later in a completely different way. Yum! Each bite will take me back to Andrew's and Annalisa's special day. They absolutely made each guest feel special and valued at their wedding celebration.

Kitchen Akin to Poetry

I'm thinking about kitchens today and have been browsing through a little book I love called Kitchens by Pat Ross. I found a quote that just speaks to me, and I think it will to you as well. It was written by Mrs. S. D. Powers in 1884. More than one hundred years later, her words still evoke an emotional response and the desire to create a kitchen just like hers!

"When the western sun shone broad and merry over the sparkling window, yellow floor and white tables; when a savor of sweet marjoram and lavender from the window boxes was in the air and the shining stone with its bright teakettle and simmering pans was a shrine to good cheer, I have taken portfolio and books out into my kitchen to the lightstand and little Shaker chair to enjoy the sparkling humor, the warm home radiance, the neatness and seemliness which made the place akin to poetry and clear thoughts."

Kitchen photo: Paula's kitchen at Elm Street Antiques