Personal or Social...umm Yes!
Being single, tea drinking is primarily a personal experience. But I see tea as an invaluable tool in social/fellowship opportunities.
Tea earlier today was my chai blend. But now I'm drinking brewed stevia leaves on ice. Caffeine isn't usually a problem for me, but I need to get plenty of sleep tonight (our choir's Messiah concert is tomorrow evening), so I'm staying away from any more tea for the rest of the day.
Finished the day with the last steep of the 7 Cups AliShan.
- Victoria -
http://victoriasown.blogspot.com/
http://victoriasown.blogspot.com/
Dec 6th, '08, 23:30
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chamekke
I was one of those who selected "Hard to say..."
In terms of steeped tea, most of my explorations are solitary. My husband has little interest in green tea unless it's jasmine pearls, so at home (where I do the bulk of my tea drinking), I am generally preparing tea for myself alone. If I am lucky enough to have a guest who is fond of tea - any type of tea - I will do my best to prepare a satisfying cup, and even to introduce them to teas they may not have tried before. But I try not to be too overbearing in my evangelizing
At the office, I used to be a solitary drinker too, but my coworkers are becoming a bit curious about tea now, and lately I've been preparing tea in kyusu/pots (rather than using my gaiwan) so that I'll have enough to share. Also, if someone looks like they're having a stressful day (and they're on record as enjoying tea already), sometimes I'll offer to bring them some tea in a nice yunomi. The people in my department have been working very hard indeed lately, so I've been doing this more often than before.
As for Japanese tea ceremony, it is social by definition, since even in tea lessons there must always be a host and at least one guest. "Solitary" tea ceremony is an oxymoron. In fact, it's nothing BUT relationship.
In terms of steeped tea, most of my explorations are solitary. My husband has little interest in green tea unless it's jasmine pearls, so at home (where I do the bulk of my tea drinking), I am generally preparing tea for myself alone. If I am lucky enough to have a guest who is fond of tea - any type of tea - I will do my best to prepare a satisfying cup, and even to introduce them to teas they may not have tried before. But I try not to be too overbearing in my evangelizing
At the office, I used to be a solitary drinker too, but my coworkers are becoming a bit curious about tea now, and lately I've been preparing tea in kyusu/pots (rather than using my gaiwan) so that I'll have enough to share. Also, if someone looks like they're having a stressful day (and they're on record as enjoying tea already), sometimes I'll offer to bring them some tea in a nice yunomi. The people in my department have been working very hard indeed lately, so I've been doing this more often than before.
As for Japanese tea ceremony, it is social by definition, since even in tea lessons there must always be a host and at least one guest. "Solitary" tea ceremony is an oxymoron. In fact, it's nothing BUT relationship.
______________________
"Never trust a man who, when left alone in a room with a tea cosy, doesn't try it on."
- Billy Connolly
"Never trust a man who, when left alone in a room with a tea cosy, doesn't try it on."
- Billy Connolly
Dec 7th, '08, 00:35
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Re: 2004 Premium Ripe Puerh Tea Brick by Huali Tea Factory
Couldn't have said it better.Salsero wrote:I always feel much more in tune with my tea when I am alone with it. Adding a social dimension distracts me completely.
Dec 7th, '08, 00:40
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Re: 2004 Premium Ripe Puerh Tea Brick by Huali Tea Factory
And yet sometimes it is all about the tea, but sometimes it is about the sharing of the tea, sharing the tea experience.pb2q wrote:Couldn't have said it better.Salsero wrote:I always feel much more in tune with my tea when I am alone with it. Adding a social dimension distracts me completely.
Tonight, Gyokuro Fijitsubo, mini 2 ounce steeps, very special, this was all about the tea and acute focus.
Dec 7th, '08, 02:34
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Re: 2004 Premium Ripe Puerh Tea Brick by Huali Tea Factory
'tis true, and I'm always eager to share great tea, it's just that too often it seems that the cup that was great yesterday becomes less when I'm making for someone else. Less concentration, out of tune. The tea laughs at me.Chip wrote:And yet sometimes it is all about the tea, but sometimes it is about the sharing of the tea, sharing the tea experience. :D
It's also part of the learning process.
These days I find that when sharing a cup I stick to the small number of teas that I can brew in my sleep.
Dec 7th, '08, 15:10
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Thanks, I think so too.Janine wrote:That's a great dream, Chip.Chip wrote:It is a bit of a dream of mine to share tea with many people I have never met before, to share the wonders that can be revealed through much time also spent alone learning.
How to do it is a little challenging though.blah blah blah SENCHA blah blah blah!!!
Dec 8th, '08, 15:11
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Right now it is more personal to me, but being an extrovert, I would love to find someone to share tea with on a regular basis. Mom has become a regular at morning tea, but that is about it.
Most of the time I am alone with my tea and my thoughts. How nice it would be to share 'the TeaExperience' and discuss all the nuances about each tea as a pot is shared. I truly envy those who do this w/significant other, good friend, or family.
Cherish your times together.
Most of the time I am alone with my tea and my thoughts. How nice it would be to share 'the TeaExperience' and discuss all the nuances about each tea as a pot is shared. I truly envy those who do this w/significant other, good friend, or family.
Cherish your times together. Dec 12th, '08, 14:00
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Joined: Sep 29th, '08, 08:49
Location: Floating blissfully in a bowl of Matcha
Mom and I are currently out of town and my dear sister is posting this for me, Mom has shared tea w/me at least 3 times each day so far....wow a dream come true. Looks like tea could become more social for me!
Have a Fab TeaDay all! I know this is an earlier this week poll, but I thought it was appropriate to share my TeaSharing w/Mom!
Have a Fab TeaDay all! I know this is an earlier this week poll, but I thought it was appropriate to share my TeaSharing w/Mom!