An invitation

This is the December cup in a collection given to me by my husband
in the early years of our marriage.

This dear little teacup was owned by my mother.
The lady slipper is the floral emblem of Prince Edward island.
This teacup is a special keepsake for my daughter
who was only nine months old when Nana died.

Although "Meet you at Tim's" has become a phrase that is synonymous with relaxation and a quick visit after errands or a movie, " Come over for a cup of tea" is still the invitation you will most commonly hear on the Island.

We put the teapot on after our prayer gatherings, our home and school meetings, for a neighbourly chat, in emergencies and when words are not enough, we put the teapot on in silent solidarity with our neighbours' sorrow.

I have a collection of teacups and saucers in my china cabinet. They don't often come out but I've been inspired by Dawn.

There is a beauty and elegance in a china teacup that is seldom found in a mug. My mother always drank her tea from a china teacup - she said that it tasted better. I tend to serve tea or coffee to my friends in a mug. Mugs seem down home - more friendly and relaxed. I save my good china for special occasions like holidays or anniversaries.

But I am beginning to rethink that habit...

When my children were small we enjoyed an occasional tea party. Dolls and teddy bears were included in the invitation and the dress up box was raided for fancy hats, colourful ties and flowered dresses. Manners were astonishingly refined. We all became quite formal and addressed each other as Mrs., Miss, or Master So and So - the names changed for each party. It was considered a privilege to be asked to "pour". Such sweet memories!

There is a pleasant ritual and ceremony that is inherent in a teaparty. Slender sandwiches, with the crusts removed, and dainty sweets are arranged on a floral china plate which, of course, must be fetched from the china cabinet because an ordinary plate just won't do with teacups and saucers.

There is a lovely lingering which occurs over a hot cup of tea. We enjoy not only the taste but also the soothing fragrance and the elegant beauty of the cup.

Not to mention the company of good friends!! Why wouldn't I treat my dearest friends and myself to such a delightful respite??

Oh my goodness - I have myself convinced!

You are all cordially invited over for tea.

Fancy hats and dresses required.

"Time For Tea" by Barbara Mock

Nature is a little confused this year in PEI...

Last year in the woods...



Photo credit Rinda Dean

Plenty of snow for tubing, cross country skiing and sledding.

Last year at the beach....

Photo credit Rinda Dean

Yes - there is water underneath those "waves"!

This year in the woods...















Sam is joining me for a walk. He howls if Sophie and I get too far ahead.

This year at the beach....















One little ice floe floats on the waves.

Sophie is enjoying a swim!

If I went dancing I'd be joining her!

Your Five Factor Personality Profile

I succumbed....

I was resistant. Ever since I took the Myers Briggs years and years ago and I didn't like the results!

I think it's fairly accurate. I guess the litmus test for accuracy would be to run it by my teenage, 20 something kids. I think they would beg to differ with the Neuroticism results... why do they always find me so amusing??

Your Five Factor Personality Profile

Extroversion: You have medium extroversion. You're not the life of the party, but you do show up for the party. Sometimes you are full of energy and open to new social experiences. But you also need to hibernate and enjoy your "down time." Conscientiousness: You have medium conscientiousness. You're generally good at balancing work and play. When you need to buckle down, you can usually get tasks done. But you've been known to goof off when you know you can get away with it. Agreeableness: You have medium agreeableness. You're generally a friendly and trusting person. But you also have a healthy dose of cynicism. You get along well with others, as long as they play fair. Neuroticism: You have low neuroticism. You are very emotionally stable and mentally together. Only the greatest setbacks upset you, and you bounce back quickly. Overall, you are typically calm and relaxed - making others feel secure. Openness to experience: Your openness to new experiences is high. In life, you tend to be an early adopter of all new things and ideas. You'll try almost anything interesting, and you're constantly pushing your own limits. A great connoisseir of art and beauty, you can find the positive side of almost anything.

The Five Factor Personality Test

Island Summers

Tonight I'm dreaming of summer...

long, barefoot walks along the shore

exploring the tidepools



swimming off the end of a spit of land

where the tide flows into a lagoon

beautifully clear and unbelievably warm for our northern climate



I'm dreaming

of campfires and sticky marshmallows



of laying outside on a blanket in August watching the meteor showers

intense streaks of light across the night sky



I'm dreaming

of moonlit nights



and

misty mornings



I'm dreaming

of biting into a bright, red, juicy, sun-warmed strawberry

picked fresh from the patch



of flowers



and

of fields



of sunsets


that are etched on my heart

Photos #1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 by Rinda Dean

Shooting Stars - Martin Krzywinski

Nature is confused this year...

Last year in the woods...

Photo credit Rinda Dean

Plenty of snow for tubing, cross country skiing and sledding.

Last year at the beach....

Photo credit Rinda Dean

Yes - there is water underneath those "waves"!

This year in the woods...

Sam is joining me for a walk. He howls if Sophie and I get too far ahead.

This year at the beach....





One little ice floe floats on the waves.

Sophie is enjoying a swim!

If I went dancing I'd be joining her!

I See Your Beauty

This is a song/poem that I wrote, inspired by the Annie Dillard quote "Beauty laid bare" - wish I could share the music with you :)
Photo credits - Rinda Dean (photos # 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 9)

I See Your Beauty

I love to see the sunrise in the morning,
Through the trees along the misty hill,
Calling me to prayer.



Or stand alone on rocky cliffs,
And watch the waves rolling in upon the shore,
And breathe the salty air.

I see Your beauty, all around me.
I see your glory, it surrounds me.



I have walked on mountain heights,
Watched the sun set the snowy peaks on fire,
And felt that flame within.

I have seen the eagle fly,
And felt my spirit rise with him, soaring high,
Riding on the wind.

I see Your beauty, all around me.

I see Your glory, it surrounds me.

In the winter of my soul,
In my darkest hour, You have taught me,
That weeping is also prayer.


(Artwork by Katherine Brown)

As I called to You, You have drawn me to your side,
Sheltered beneath Your wing,
And I have felt Your comfort there.

Even there Your beauty, is all around me.
Even there Your glory, still surrounds me.



There's a world of unseen splendour,
Beauty laid bare in radiant light,
Hidden from our view.



At times I think I've caught a glimpse,
A fragrant scent, an echo of eternity,
That leaves me trembling for You.

Lost in the beauty all around You
Lost in the glory that surrounds You



Draw me deeper into Your beauty.
Draw me deeper into Your glory.