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! :)

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!"
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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