For Those Women
Who bury themselves in books
Who know the song by heart
Whose kitchen is a sanctuary
The hearth a domain
Women who live in dreams
And visions
Forever striving
Forever keeping it just within reach
Funny Little Somebody
Don't you ever forget
How you made all the small things large.
-motherinthenorthernlands-
Teacups have been part of my life now for just over seven years now. I remember when I saw that first cup and saucer that would join my then empty collection. It was a Royal Albert, which at the time I didn't know what in the world that was. It had roses painted on in a flowy sort of way. They were a rich red color and it reminded me of autumn and green leaves which added such a beauty to the cup. The handle had a unique look to it, which is probably what drew me to it in the first place. Well, that and the flowers of course. The rim of both the cup and saucer was lined in elegant gold, which made me feel all fancy when I first laid eyes on it.
At that point in my life, I was all about Downton Abbey. That's what reignited the admiration I had for teacups, which started as a young girl. My sister and I had a mini teacup set when we were little girls and we would play with it for hours. I remember it even had saucers and a tiny teapot...oh the fun and delight and whimsy that brought to our childhood!
There is magic in that little world, home;
it is a mystic circle that surrounds comfort and values never known beyond its hallowed limits.
-Robert Southey-
Many years later, that admiration of the beauty and elegance and old-worldliness of a teacup began stirring up in me once again as I watched the Lords and Ladies of Downton daintily sipping tea from a China cup...and at that very moment, I knew that teacups would be a part of my life from that point forward.
Antique shops were never my cup of tea simply because I felt embarrassed for being so young and liking things that an old granny would like. Stupid, I know, but that's what public school peer pressure will do to you (in the very least). My mom would take my sister and me to walk around our local antique shop every now and then and I remember thinking how neat some of the stuff was. Especially as my mom would recount memories of her childhood and the days spent in the kitchen with her Polish-speaking grandmother and then going over to my grandparents' house and seeing many of the same things in their home that were in the shop. Somehow it created a connection. My grandpa was raised in the Great Depression and fought in World War II, and was a first-generation American as his father and brothers made the long, hard journey from Poland before he was born. You can imagine the stories I've heard!
And teacups, for me, are apart of that connection.
I'm a quiet person, and I live a quiet, pleasant, ordinary, simple life.
-Mary McGarry Morris-
Every time I see a teacup, I see a bit of history. I don't know who had that teacup before me, whose hands held it and whose home it lived in. I don't know where in the world it's been or how it got to me. Yes, it's just a teacup, but it's a piece of someone's history...part of their story.
And something I've learned is that every cup tells a story.
A number of years ago, over ten, my mom and I were helping our friends move into the house down the street from us. This couple was in their seventies at the time, so they had a good bit of things to move in and get situated. We were in the dining room and kitchen and unpacking boxes with those sort of items. And our friend knew the history to every one of her pieces. Every time we pulled out a glass or cast-iron skillet or little decoration, she would remark, "There's a story behind that." Our afternoon turned into many hours spent unpacking boxes and listening to story after story of where these pieces came from, how she got them and a bit about their story. And how they had become part of hers.
Magical places are always beautiful and deserve to be contemplated.
Always stay on the bridge between the invisible and the visible.
-Paula Coelho-
Teacups are that way for me. I've grown quite a collection now, though I've always got my eyes peeled to new finds. And every single cup that has come into my life has a story...one that I don't know and yet one that I am giving it. These cups are part of my story and part of the legacy I'll pass down to the next generations...my future children, their children and so on.
The cup is the physical representation of many stories and memories and fun times and celebrations and holidays and such. Each cup is filled to the brim with a boatload of reflections that could be told over and over again. I know how I came across each one and where I found it. I know what I've used them for and what attracted me to that particular cup in the first place.
Step away from the screen. There are still good things in the world.
There are cinnamon rolls and leaves changing colors.
There are children who still play pretend. There is fresh air and poetry.
There is quiet. There are orchestras and park benches.
There is reason to rejoice.
-Joy Clarkson-
Every cup tells a story, just we do. And every cup has a history, just like us.
Some of my teacups came from the antique shop that we'd frequent during my childhood. We still visit there from time to time, though we live way on the other side of town now. Some teacups I've received in the blessed teacup exchange that a dear blogging friend hosted for many years. I believe I've received five or six from sweet ladies through that. And yet, there are a couple that I stumbled upon whilst we were on holiday in Ireland several years ago. Their gorgeous floral patterns and unique shapes and sizes just spoke to me and I knew I had to bring them home with me across the Pond. I carefully wrapped them in scarves and my sister wrapped some in bubble wrap and into my carry-on they went. I took such care in making sure to handle my backpack with special ease and not fling it around harshly. Sure enough, once we returned home, I unpacked my bags and there they were...in pristine condition and now they grace my shelves so beautifully. Whenever I look at them I am reminded of such fond memories in that gorgeous, peaceful country, and am, in a way, transported back there for a brief moment.
Look for the beauty in the world. It'll make it so much easier to realize that you're beautiful, too.
-poemsforthemoon-
I love using teacups for tea parties and such, but I also find that they make the perfect decorations. Much of my collection is displayed throughout my room. I dream of the day when I have a home of my own, with a gentle, nurturing man by my side and little kiddoes gathered around. I'll decorate that home with teacups, no doubt about it...we'll all sit around with delicious sandwiches and small baked treats and have tea parties...it will be a grand time.
Pour grace like some people pour coffee.
-Elizabeth Foss-
There isn't any particular brand or line or style teacup that I prefer over the others. I like an eclectic collection and tons of variety. Some of my cups are fancier and daintier than others and others are almost a teacup mug. Some display beautiful floral patters in soft pastel colors and others are more bright. I have one that displays a thatched roof cottage and others that put nature on display. Some are seasonal and others are more versatile. Each one carries its own beauty and shines in a unique way. In that way, teacups remind me of people. Each one different but all beautiful and special and lovely.
Live in moments that consume your heart and mind,
but be distracted by the music from the leaves, birds, wind,
rain, sun and people.
-Val Uchendo-
And then there is the Grace Collection. Oh, I adore these designs to pieces! I have a number of them in my collection and they're definitely some of my favorites. This brand isn't necessarily antique or old or ones that already have a story to them. I usually find them brand new in certain shops, but I always go after them. The styles and colors are always so magnificently done. They are all a bit different from each other and some have very unique handles or saucers. Even if a teacup isn't an antique or doesn't have a history all it's own, the owner becomes the writer of its story...and soon it will have one all its own to be passed down.
Pleasure is spread through the earth
in stray gifts to be claimed by
whoever shall find.
-William Wordsworth-
Teacups...collecting them, admiring them, and so on, as well as the practice of drinking tea, always takes me to a time gone by. It invites me (and encourages me) to slow down, to savour and to pause. To take in beauty and cultivate it all the more. To soak up the quiet and peacefulness of a moment and to share it with others all the same. Teacups offer so much more than just a cup of something warm and soothing. They offer beauty, peace, calm and an experience, too.
Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumblebee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.
-Ashley Smith-
Do you collect teacups? If so, what are the things you love most about doing so? Feel free to share your thoughts and reflections in the comments below...
The world is like that-
incomprehensible and full of surprises.
-Jorge Amado-
Grace-filled blessings upon your day, dear friends!
May your find beauty and delight and gladness in a teacup...
or something like it.
♥