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Lady Pamela's Tea Parlor

Sunday, November 20, 2011

The 82nd, Teapot And Tea Things Tuesday, Blessings:


Welcome to...
The 82nd Teapot And Tea Things Tuesday






When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
                                                                                           pub 1897  Johnson Oatman Jr.
 


 Have you had a busy week? .....Sometimes, my imagination dramatizes my day to day life. I imagine my chaotic, challenging life as a tropical storm/hurricane in the great ocean. Once I pause and draw near to God, in times of stress, I gain perspective  and see it as it really is "a tempest in a teapot".

I  researched the well-known phrase in Wikipedia. Tempest in a teapot (in American English), storm in a teacup (in British English) is an idiom meaning a small event that has been exaggerated out of proportion.[1] There are also lesser known variants, such as storm in a cream bowl, storm in a hand-wash basin, tempest in a glass of water,[2] and storm in a glass of water.
Both the American and British phrases are long preceded by Cicero's Latin "Excitabat enim fluctus in simpulo".[5] The phrase, translated literally, reads: "He was stirring up billows in a ladle".[citation needed]

More reason to sit a while in a comfy chair with a friend and catch up on life's adventures. It is not merely sharing a cup of tea but the experience that becomes the salve to the soul.  Whether I choose to set a traditional table, with linens, flowers and candles or simply offer a favorite teacup, it is the act of other centredness that redirects my focus and calms the storm in my mind, bringing my attention to a more positive place.


I am grateful for early morning light


and how it plays


I used a small mirror under the cream and sugar to protect the linens
But I discovered how the sun, mirror and crystal played together
So much fun for the photograher




The silhouette of these three pretties compliment each other.
What can I do with them?


Glass plate from Home Sense, there was only one
$2.99


Add a petite crystal vase


My mom's milk glass dish
I remember it as the peanut dish at bridge parties
Now to peek in the cupboards and find something
sweet or savory to serve in my new dish

M-mmmm  Harvest Pumpkin Muffins
(recipe below)




A special guest is invited to watch over us



Offering pearls of wisdom if you choose






















































Which teacup do you prefer?







With the American Thanksgiving being celebrated on Thursday, November 24th, it only seems appropriate to reflect on what I am thankful for. Life is full of wonderful things and may I say, small miracles if you look for them. I invite you to join in the fun!


I am thankful for:

1. God’s unending grace in my life

2. Opportunities that challenge me to give my utmost

3. The smell of fragrant tea steeping

4. The warmth my hands feel holding a cup of tea on a cool autumn day

5. Friends that share a cup of tea with me, and warm my heart

6. I am thankful for the many friendships as unique as my teacups and always room for more

7. I am thankful for the many colours of each season that Nature brings

8. I am thankful for my family, with their big hearts and all of their wonderful quirks

9. I am thankful for the good health we are blessed with

10. I am thankful for each new day, so that I may see and experience God’s blessings as I try to walk with Him.

What would be on your list?
Take a moment to "count your blessings one by one". You'll feel the richer in spirit for it.




1 Thessalonians 5:18
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.



This recipe was passed on to me from my daughter, Kristina. These muffins are now one of my favorite healthy fall treats. Whip up a batch of these over the weekend, then freeze a bunch to serve over the next few weeks when guests drop by or add as a new breakfast item.  Enjoy waking your taste buds up to fall with these muffins!



Harvest Pumpkin Muffins

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg                                    

1/4 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup honey

1 egg

1 cup pumpkin, packed solidly

1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

Preparation

In medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg; set aside.

Using an electric mixer, beat butter until light; beat in honey, egg and pumpkin. Gradually add flour mixture, mixing until just blended; stir in walnuts.

Spoon into 12 greased or paper-lined 2-1/2 inch muffin cups. Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove muffins from pan to wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Makes 12 servings or 18 mini tea sized servings

TIP
To get more nutritional bang for your calorie buck, you can substitute whole-wheat flour for all-purpose flour — and if you can find it, organic raw honey is your best bet.  I used half of the amount of honey and it still was sweet.



We thank all who are so generous with their time and willing to share their treasures with us. We invite you to take a moment to enjoy the vignettes and special tea treasures that the lovely tea ladies want to share, compliments of Mr. Linky!..,







If you have a moment to linger I invite you to stop in to The Silken Purse 

 to see what my co hostess, Wanda, has for us to savour.



The more the fun!

We don't want to miss a single teacup or teapot!


*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*

As always, we cherish your comments and participation


with our Tuesday meme.


~You will be warmly welcomed if you choose to become a follower!~



Welcome to,

 Tuesday Teatime

In Blogland!


These are the links to the other oh-so-delightful tea parties and tabletop parties that I attend.

I invite you to drop in. ~ Many thanks to those who faithfully host each week.

~ Hope to see you there!!






Other favorite places I may visit this week:

Wow Us Wednesday with Kim




~Tablescape Thursday with Susan


Cheers and hugs from Pam and Wanda Lee; ( Wanda Lee is the other half of our weekly blog tea party meme; 'Teapot And Tea Things Tuesday'.., @ http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com




 

15 comments:

  1. Lovely as always Pam; thanks for co-hosting.

    Pop over to see Bellissimo the shop I told you about; (either later on Monday evening, or on Tuesday);I don't think you'll be disappointed!

    At any event please do say a quick 'hello' and let me know what you think of our Gingerbread Christmas tea Party, post Pam?

    All you need do is come my dear; (re-post IF THAT'S EASIEST DURING THIS BUSY SEASON. YOU COULD PERHAPS SIMPLY ADD IN A FAVORITE GINGERBREAD RECIPE AND A SPECIAL MEMORY AS OUTLINED AT MY, 'THE PLUMED PEN', blog..,

    There you have it my friend; as easy as '1,2,3'!

    Hugs, WL

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  2. Hello dear Pam,
    What a lovely tea table and both teacups are delightful. I especially like the crystal cream and sugar; gorgeous! You always have such a lovely post with wonderful sentiments and scripture. Thank you for sharing and have a beautiful week.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  3. I love tha pale blue ruffled dish...it's blue! And the Harvest Bouquet teacup is a favorite. I will be trying the pumpkin muffins! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
    Cheers!
    R

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  4. Beautiful post! All your glass ware shines so pretty, and your two tea cups are gorgeous. I love the blue one the most as I am partial to a blue cup! But really, they are both lovely cups.
    Happy Thanksgiving to you,
    Hugs,
    Terri

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  5. Hi Pam: First I am grateful for you! You have been a blessing to me, maybe you will never know how much until we see the Father together. Thank you. By the way, I LOVE THE CUPS THIS WEEK! Stunning! Hugs, Martha

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  6. Thank you for this beautiful and encouraging post...Yes, we each have much to be thankful for, but often need a gentle reminder to consider God's gifts to us personally!
    Happy Thanksgiving!

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  7. Hello Pam~
    Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you for hosting this party AND sharing your observations and pretty dishes. I like the blue cup especially. The recipe sounds delicious. I was just discussing this concept of focusing on the here, now and positive things with my daughter....makes a difference on our perceptions.
    Shawn

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  8. As always, your tea time post is beautiful and meditative. I especially like the line about "other centredness", that is really how we ought to be.

    Your delicate blue teacups are both so beautiful, and I do like the way the light played with your sparkling crystal. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, and thank you for hosting this celebration of tea!

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  9. Hello Pam,
    your soft blue tea cups are really amazing. I have never seen before the Royal Albert Harvest-Bouquet and the Queen Anne cup is as charming. Thank you for sharing this treasures.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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  10. Beautiful post and so reflective. Thanks so much for joining TTT and Happy Thanksgiving. Hugs, Marty

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  11. Hi Pam ..

    How could one every choose a favorite cup .. Each one is so delightful. The bright floral Ansley is s pert and happy perfect for my morning sip of tea.

    The Queen Anne so very regal and my choice for an evening cup of relaxation after a bath ... Hmmmmm I'd feel like a Queen. Your crystal is glistening in the sunlight, giving a warm inviting glow to the teatime gratitudes of the season...It's a beautiful setting. Thanks for sharing this lovely post.,,,,Bright Blessings

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  12. Beautiful post Pam. And your teacups and service are stunning. Happy Thanksgiving.

    Jocelyn @
    http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com/

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  13. How lovely. There is nothing more calming and soothing that a cup of tea.

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  14. Oh, I love your angel! Beautiful! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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  15. I can’t imagine focusing long enough to research; much less write this kind of article. You’ve outdone yourself with this material. This is great content.
    Pommeaux de Douche

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