Hey everyone! I've been lurking here for a while now (posted a few times), so I figured I'd introduce myself. I got into tea originally as a more convenient alternative to coffee, but the jasmine-with-honey-pick-me-ups have since turned into sitting-on-the-floor-sipping-yancha sessions. I've been drinking tea "seriously" (maybe mindfully is a better word?) for a little over a year now, and while I think I've learned a lot within that time, I'm still quite new to it -- particularly the culture and history behind it. So, I hope to keep learning.
Along with the aforementioned yancha, I've tried my hand with most Chinese and Taiwanese teas. I've tended in the past several months towards sheng pu-erh, sampling pretty widely age-wise. I've only tried Japanese greens once or twice without much success (though I have some houjicha I drink on occasion).
Last thing: this place has been a great source for discovering teaware artisans. (I'm taking a Ceramics course at university at the moment, just to understand a little bit more about the techniques/materials involved.) I've come to think that the best way to show respect for the work put in by the tea plants and the people caring for and processing them is to prepare the tea with a similar measure of care; and having the proper tools definitely aids in that.
Okay, I'll stop now. See you all in the forums!
Re: Hullo from TN, USA
Hi impromptuandy and welcome to TeaChat. Of course we have seen you around the forum, glad you introduced yourself. TeaChat can be a very dangerous place for your wallet, especially once TAD sets in. Sounds like you have been bitten by the TeaWare bug. I am sure you are enjoying your class, perhaps one day you will show us your creations. Looking forward to it, in the meantime, keep enjoying your tea. 
Feb 17th, '15, 17:53
Posts: 749
Joined: May 2nd, '10, 02:03
Location: Shaker Heights, Ohio USA
Re: Hullo from TN, USA
Great to hear from you and nice of you to chime in. What part of Tennessee do you call home?
Please let us know what you are drinking and how you like it!
Please let us know what you are drinking and how you like it!
Re: Hullo from TN, USA
I'm in Memphis. Since we're on the Mississippi, it's very humid here, and I've wondered how long-term aging of pu-erh would turn out.
Speaking of which, I'm almost through a bag of EoT's 1970's loose Da Ye I got several months ago. Before this tea I didn't really know what "qi" was -- now I know. But lately I haven't had a lot of free time, so been drinking a lot of bags consisting of a certain Earl, I believe of a Greyish pigment.
Ceramics is very interesting though. I'm still a beginner, but I've given some thought to pursuing it further. My favorite pieces are a small cup and bowl from I bought from Mitch Iburg -- those were the main impetus for taking the course.
Speaking of which, I'm almost through a bag of EoT's 1970's loose Da Ye I got several months ago. Before this tea I didn't really know what "qi" was -- now I know. But lately I haven't had a lot of free time, so been drinking a lot of bags consisting of a certain Earl, I believe of a Greyish pigment.
Mrs. Chip wrote:TeaChat can be a very dangerous place for your wallet, especially once TAD sets in. Sounds like you have been bitten by the TeaWare bug.
Ceramics is very interesting though. I'm still a beginner, but I've given some thought to pursuing it further. My favorite pieces are a small cup and bowl from I bought from Mitch Iburg -- those were the main impetus for taking the course.