With May upon us and good news around the world - spring in the air, and a certain terrorist no longer among us - I am also happy to report that I am (almost) all better. I'm back to my working self, which means Keen Tea Thyme is back in business!
First, we've got a new company profile - Mad Pots of Tea. Check out the story by clicking on the company profile tab on the main page, or here: http://keenteathyme.blogspot.com/p/company-profile.html
Next, we've featured our first CelebriTEA, Rachel Carter - the voice behind www.iHeartTeas.com. Check out her story and learn more about this fave tea blogger and her new endeavors: http://keenteathyme.blogspot.com/p/celebritea.html
Stop by Tea Stain Art to see what's new with Dara Gold, and purchase one of your very own, limited run tea stain artwork: http://keenteathyme.blogspot.com/p/golds-tea-stain-art.html Send in your questions to this unique and talented artist!
May will feature more adventures of Ally, our Teaist Apprentice (check back on Fri., May 13 - oh no! Friday the 13th!) to see what she's been up to during the hiatus.
Also, I have a very special post I'm working on for Mother's Day. Don't forget, Mother's Day is this weekend!
And in between everything, we'll review and enjoy tea!
Got suggestions? Comments on my blog? Drop me a line at: keenteathyme@gmail.com
Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy your stay; have a great "thyme" being "keen" on tea!
Showing posts with label teaist apprentice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label teaist apprentice. Show all posts
4.21.2011
Teaist Apprentice - on hiatus
Dear Readers -
One of my favorite features about this blog is the story of Ally - a fictional character embarking on a journey to become a Teaist Apprentice. I have been posting updates on her adventures weekly, but have to take a break due to health reasons.
Many of you know I suffer from migraines, and had a recent spinal injury. Consequently I am in a lot of pain lately. I am seeing a doctor next week to discuss surgery options.
In the meantime, I have to take it easy. I will still be posting and updating, but I am not feeling as creative as usual so I'm putting the Teaist Apprentice on hold. (Plus I'm on lots of medication for the pain.)
Ally will return in May. Look forward to the following posts, and much more:
- participating in an authentic Japanese tea ceremony
- discussing how the earthquake affected Japan's tea market
- traveling to China to harvest tea crops
- learning India's tea culture
- answering your questions
Please continue to send questions for Ally to discuss in her adventures: keenteathyme@gmail.com, as well as suggestions for her travels. I appreciate all the feedback I've gotten so far! Thanks!
OK, that's a wrap. We'll see Ally in May! :)
4.13.2011
1st Interview with Ally
Reader Question 1) What is it about tea that you're hoping to learn more about? Origin? Processing? Interesting legends? What's drawing you in?
Ally sits with us for a moment during her training and discovery of what it means to be a Teaist. She's dressed comfortably in yoga attire, and holds a cup of plain green tea.
KiTT: How is your training so far?
Ally: It's been great. I'm learning a lot of things about tea I never knew.
KiTT: Readers are wondering: what is it about tea you are hoping to learn?
Ally: There's a whole different perspective on tea in different cultures. We Americans just consider it another beverage, but tea in Japan involves an entire ceremony. I want to learn about the ceremony and participate in an authentic one. I'd love to learn about the history of tea; one time it was used as currency.
KiTT: Are there any legends you'd like to learn about?
Ally: I'm big into the paranormal, so I'm always looking for ghost tales and legends. I'm reading "Green Tea and other ghost stories" so I'll let you know if I come across anything of interest. Also a book about ghosts and Tea Tables in WV. Not sure what it's about, but I'm looking into it. If you or your readers have any legends for me to investigate, let me know.
KiTT: What's drawing you in?
Ally: Tea is such a big part of this world in so many different ways. It's a beverage, it's a lifestyle, it's currency, it's calming. There are so many attributes. I want to learn as much as I can so I can open up my own tea house.
KiTT: Is that your goal, then?
Ally: Yes. My own tea house. Wouldn't that rock? *checks her watch* OK, gotta split. Lessons are starting back up.
KiTT: Thanks for taking a moment. Talk to you later and good luck!
Submit your questions for Ally to answer during her breaks by posting below or e-mailing me at keenteathyme@gmail.com.
 |
| Where Ally is taking classes |
Ally sits with us for a moment during her training and discovery of what it means to be a Teaist. She's dressed comfortably in yoga attire, and holds a cup of plain green tea.
KiTT: How is your training so far?
Ally: It's been great. I'm learning a lot of things about tea I never knew.
KiTT: Readers are wondering: what is it about tea you are hoping to learn?
Ally: There's a whole different perspective on tea in different cultures. We Americans just consider it another beverage, but tea in Japan involves an entire ceremony. I want to learn about the ceremony and participate in an authentic one. I'd love to learn about the history of tea; one time it was used as currency.
KiTT: Are there any legends you'd like to learn about?
Ally: I'm big into the paranormal, so I'm always looking for ghost tales and legends. I'm reading "Green Tea and other ghost stories" so I'll let you know if I come across anything of interest. Also a book about ghosts and Tea Tables in WV. Not sure what it's about, but I'm looking into it. If you or your readers have any legends for me to investigate, let me know.
KiTT: What's drawing you in?
Ally: Tea is such a big part of this world in so many different ways. It's a beverage, it's a lifestyle, it's currency, it's calming. There are so many attributes. I want to learn as much as I can so I can open up my own tea house.
KiTT: Is that your goal, then?
Ally: Yes. My own tea house. Wouldn't that rock? *checks her watch* OK, gotta split. Lessons are starting back up.
KiTT: Thanks for taking a moment. Talk to you later and good luck!
Submit your questions for Ally to answer during her breaks by posting below or e-mailing me at keenteathyme@gmail.com.
4.05.2011
Teaist Apprentice - Part Two
...The field surrounding Ally is beautiful and lush. The breeze swirling about her is fresh and light, while the air smells faintly of summer rain - a refreshing and cleansing smell. She sips her tea, which magically stayed warm and in the cup. Bits of the air slip into her tea so that it tastes even more refreshing. "It's been a long day," she murmurs. "I must be hallucinating. Well, I'm talking to myself. That's the first step of insanity."
Ally walks through the field with flowers and grass brushing up against her legs. She finds herself on a path and looks ahead in the distance. There, sitting regally, is a bright red structure - a pagoda. It's a bit up the road, but she reaches it quickly. Time exists but bends.
Ally, cup still in hand, approaches the pagoda and stares into the eyes of what appears to be a statue of a man, clothed in silky garments and sporting a conical hat. Suddenly, the eyes blink and Ally jumps. "You scared me!" She blurts out, almost spilling the mug of tea.
"You scared me," the old man says in tattered English, speaking slowly. "What are you doing wondering around here?" He seizes up her clothes - her "study" clothes: yoga pants, a comfy slub tee and a zip-up hoodie.
How can I explain I just poured a cup of tea and appeared in Japan? Ally asks herself - without speaking aloud. "I'm trying to find my way to the tea," she says vaguely, not understanding that tea isn't just a singular object.
"The tea? I do not understand," the old man says. He shakes his head. "Nevermind that. I could use your help in the farming." He holds out his hand and Ally shakes it, surprised at how soft his hand is. "My name is Yamato."
"My name is Ally; nice to meet you," Ally says politely.
"Come with me, Ally-son. We will harvest tea and prepare for the royal tea ceremony!"
_______________________________________
Reader Question 1) What is it about tea that you're hoping to learn more about? Origin? Processing? Interesting legends? What's drawing you in? Ally will answer this question next week in ths 3rd installment of the Teaist Apprentice: Wed., April 13, 2011.
Reader Question 2) I want to know more about the Japanese tea ceremony. Ally will learn to harvest tea leaves, prep them for the ceremony and how the ceremony takes place in the 4th Installment of the Teaist Apprentice: Wed., April 20, 2011.
Send in your questions: keenteathyme@gmail.com
Ally walks through the field with flowers and grass brushing up against her legs. She finds herself on a path and looks ahead in the distance. There, sitting regally, is a bright red structure - a pagoda. It's a bit up the road, but she reaches it quickly. Time exists but bends.
Ally, cup still in hand, approaches the pagoda and stares into the eyes of what appears to be a statue of a man, clothed in silky garments and sporting a conical hat. Suddenly, the eyes blink and Ally jumps. "You scared me!" She blurts out, almost spilling the mug of tea.
"You scared me," the old man says in tattered English, speaking slowly. "What are you doing wondering around here?" He seizes up her clothes - her "study" clothes: yoga pants, a comfy slub tee and a zip-up hoodie.
How can I explain I just poured a cup of tea and appeared in Japan? Ally asks herself - without speaking aloud. "I'm trying to find my way to the tea," she says vaguely, not understanding that tea isn't just a singular object.
"The tea? I do not understand," the old man says. He shakes his head. "Nevermind that. I could use your help in the farming." He holds out his hand and Ally shakes it, surprised at how soft his hand is. "My name is Yamato."
"My name is Ally; nice to meet you," Ally says politely.
"Come with me, Ally-son. We will harvest tea and prepare for the royal tea ceremony!"
_______________________________________
Reader Question 1) What is it about tea that you're hoping to learn more about? Origin? Processing? Interesting legends? What's drawing you in? Ally will answer this question next week in ths 3rd installment of the Teaist Apprentice: Wed., April 13, 2011.
Reader Question 2) I want to know more about the Japanese tea ceremony. Ally will learn to harvest tea leaves, prep them for the ceremony and how the ceremony takes place in the 4th Installment of the Teaist Apprentice: Wed., April 20, 2011.
Send in your questions: keenteathyme@gmail.com
4.03.2011
Results of the Brewing Question
The results are in on my poll... thanks to all who voted! Please check out the latest poll - what sweetener do you add to your tea?
The results are posted below; remember, you could vote for multiple items. I will do my best to get as much info as you guys wanted here. I'm not in debt with student loans for an investigative journalism degree for nothing! :)
The results:
The results are posted below; remember, you could vote for multiple items. I will do my best to get as much info as you guys wanted here. I'm not in debt with student loans for an investigative journalism degree for nothing! :)
The results:
- 50% of you said you wanted to see tea reviews. I do a lot of reviews on steepster.com, and I don't want to compete with the lovely SororiTEA sisters, but I'll post some reviews.
- 25% of you said you wanted fun stuff - puzzles, games, etc. I've got a tea crossword I will be posting in the month of April, and a few more puzzles/riddles.
- And 62% each wanted histories of tea, interviews with master blenders and shop owners, and recipes.
- I've got plenty of interviews lined up. I love talking to people about their companies...and for some odd reason they like talking about them too! As for the histories of tea, stay tuned to the weekly installment of Teaist Apprentice, my fictional adventure into the world of tea.
If there's anything else you think my blog needs, e-mail me. I will be better about updating it daily, I blame my evil spine for getting hurt somehow and the muscle relaxers that bend reality...
3.23.2011
Teaist Apprentice - Part One
Ally sits alone at the 24 hour diner across the street from her college campus, and next door to her apartment. It's almost four in the morning and she has a paper due for her Japanese culture class at 8 a.m. So far she's typed her name - Ally Davis, the title of the class, and the following sentence:
I hate this paper.
She sighs and reaches for her coffee cup. Empty. She walks over to the counter and asks for a refill, but the waitress shakes her head. No.
"Listen, lady, I've got a paper due and I'm ready to pass out," Ally says sharply.
"Sorry sweetie. The coffee urn is fried. Something happened to it. We have hot water for tea, though."
"Tea?" Ally takes a turn shaking her head. "That's not gonna help me stay awake."
"Well it's that or soda. Sorry hun." The waitress hands her a clean mug from behind the counter and takes Ally's overworked one.
"Sit down, honey, and I'll bring the tea over. Milk and sugar?"
"Sure." Ally takes her seat, unhappy, a bit shaky from all the coffee, yet determined to stay awake and finish the paper. She's a 4.0 and isn't going to let some stupid CORE requirement class ruin her pristine GPA.
The waitress appears in front of Ally all of the sudden - Ally must have missed her walking up - and holds a large wooden box with intricate carvings. "Is a freakin' genie gonna pop out of that?" Ally jokes.
The waitress smiles mysteriously and places the box on the bistro table, next to Ally's computer. Then she slides a second table over to Ally and returns with a pot of hot water, milk and sugar. "Try the Assam Melody," she advises before heading back behind the counter.
"Is this for real?" Ally asks herself as she opens the box. The lid removes easily and a waft of dewy grass, musky air and a softness she can't identify gusts through her nose. The box features rows of teabags, lined up at attention, soldiers ready to serve.
The Assam Melody is in a red teabag and catches her eye. She removes one tea bag, then reads the label.
"Ingredients: tea." Helpful, she thinks.
This isn't Ally's first cup of tea, but this is the first one on her journey to teaism: the art and craft of enjoying the harmony of tea. She slides her finger under the envelop flap and removes the tea bag. Then she pores boiling water over the tea, which immediately turns a tan liquor, and enjoys the scent that escapes the cup. She breathes in deeply and closes her eyes to sip...
...She opens them, expecting to see the waitress behind the counter, the police officers joking at one of the booths, and a potential bum sipping free soup at the counter. But instead she is in a field, surrounded by scented leaves, sunshine on her skin, and questions in her mind. Where is she? When is she?
Stay tuned for Part Two, arriving here by Wed., April 6. Leave questions below (or e-mail me) for Ally to answer on her search to becoming a Teaist Apprentice.
**This story is a work of fiction. All characters, events, stories, etc, are the creative mastermind of Carolynne Keenan. Do not share without permission. Make sure to enjoy the story and see the rest of Keen Tea Thyme. Thank you.**
I hate this paper.
She sighs and reaches for her coffee cup. Empty. She walks over to the counter and asks for a refill, but the waitress shakes her head. No.
"Listen, lady, I've got a paper due and I'm ready to pass out," Ally says sharply.
"Sorry sweetie. The coffee urn is fried. Something happened to it. We have hot water for tea, though."
"Tea?" Ally takes a turn shaking her head. "That's not gonna help me stay awake."
"Well it's that or soda. Sorry hun." The waitress hands her a clean mug from behind the counter and takes Ally's overworked one.
"Sit down, honey, and I'll bring the tea over. Milk and sugar?"
"Sure." Ally takes her seat, unhappy, a bit shaky from all the coffee, yet determined to stay awake and finish the paper. She's a 4.0 and isn't going to let some stupid CORE requirement class ruin her pristine GPA.
The waitress appears in front of Ally all of the sudden - Ally must have missed her walking up - and holds a large wooden box with intricate carvings. "Is a freakin' genie gonna pop out of that?" Ally jokes.
The waitress smiles mysteriously and places the box on the bistro table, next to Ally's computer. Then she slides a second table over to Ally and returns with a pot of hot water, milk and sugar. "Try the Assam Melody," she advises before heading back behind the counter.
"Is this for real?" Ally asks herself as she opens the box. The lid removes easily and a waft of dewy grass, musky air and a softness she can't identify gusts through her nose. The box features rows of teabags, lined up at attention, soldiers ready to serve.
The Assam Melody is in a red teabag and catches her eye. She removes one tea bag, then reads the label.
"Ingredients: tea." Helpful, she thinks.
This isn't Ally's first cup of tea, but this is the first one on her journey to teaism: the art and craft of enjoying the harmony of tea. She slides her finger under the envelop flap and removes the tea bag. Then she pores boiling water over the tea, which immediately turns a tan liquor, and enjoys the scent that escapes the cup. She breathes in deeply and closes her eyes to sip...
...She opens them, expecting to see the waitress behind the counter, the police officers joking at one of the booths, and a potential bum sipping free soup at the counter. But instead she is in a field, surrounded by scented leaves, sunshine on her skin, and questions in her mind. Where is she? When is she?
Stay tuned for Part Two, arriving here by Wed., April 6. Leave questions below (or e-mail me) for Ally to answer on her search to becoming a Teaist Apprentice.
**This story is a work of fiction. All characters, events, stories, etc, are the creative mastermind of Carolynne Keenan. Do not share without permission. Make sure to enjoy the story and see the rest of Keen Tea Thyme. Thank you.**
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)