Can a tea cup be beloved? Oh yes indeed. This cup came to me at a precious moment – one of those days when you need to stop and pinch yourself it is so memorable. So was that day on Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina at the Charleston Tea Plantation with the Bigelow family (my adopted brand family). A smile comes to my lips every morning as I am transported, if only for an instant, to that special time and place.
The cup is clear yet stained amber with my daily tea. About once a month, I gently scrub her with vinegar and baking soda to remove the stains. Yet somehow, the stains make me happy. Its rounded shape fits perfectly in my hands…the hands that caress it several times each day as I savor my beloved Plantation Mint tea. It is smooth to the touch and has a familiar softness. It makes the perfect amount of tea for morning sipping or afternoon relaxing on the porch. This tea cup is my friend.
I think this cup cost $15. HIMself thought it was a big expense for a cup. I, on the other hand, knew. I knew I needed it. I knew I would use it every day. I knew it would keep my Plantation Mint tea steaming hot or refreshingly chilled. I knew it would bring back those memories. I knew I must bring it home. I just knew…
This cup has long since paid for itself. I have enjoyed more than one cup of tea every day in this cup since May of 2013. That is a lot of tea…a lot of tea moment memories for me. Oh yes…the memories.
I was holding this cup when I was offered my job last September 21st. I was holding this cup the morning I was married last November. I am holding this cup right now as I write this post. This post is the first in a weeklong writing retreat I am doing called, Writing for the Soul at Days of Deepening Friendship. Today I am challenged to pay attention and select an object in my home, preferably one that has some meaning to me beyond its apparent purpose, and write about it.
As you see, this cup has meaning to me beyond its apparent purpose. It brings a moment of reflection and stillness with it each morning before I start my busy day. Its now familiar feel just makes me happy. Can a tea cup be beloved? Oh yes indeed.
Hello Rebecca, I really enjoyed reading about your tea cup; such evocative writing – I can almost reach in and pick up the cup myself! You have really communicated the emotional significance that it holds. I’m glad I found you via the Retreat – it’s a great experience!