The world beyond the windows is white, skies cloudy, and the village merely a collection of indistinct shapes and muffled sounds. Snow is falling thick and fast, and the day is cold and damp, the kitchen a shadowy realm in early morning light. My doddering bones and aching joints protest such weather, and summer seems like a lovely dream from long ago and very far away.
How does one banish winter, even for a few minutes? In search of a fine hot potion to start the day and drown my doldrums, I rattle around in the larder, opening canister after canister and sniffing them appreciatively. French roast? Maxwell House? Earl Grey? Constant Comment? Northern Delights Cloudberry (Arpiqutik) or Crowberry (Paurngaqutik)? Rooibos? Ginseng? Lapsang Souchong? Perhaps plain old Orange Pekoe?
The last container is way in the back of the cupboard and rustles pleasantly, for it holds dried chrysanthemum buds. When I open it, the dry golden fragrance of last summer wafts out, and for a moment, I seem to hear tinkling bells and exotic musics. Ah, here is the tisane (liang cha or 凉茶) we will quaff this morning.
Waiting for the battered kettle to whistle scant minutes later, I find myself doing a little whistling of my own and glancing at the long shadows falling across the little Chinese bowl of chrysanthemum buds and my favorite mug on the counter. The shadows are fetching things and they contrast wonderfully with the fragile porcelain. Forget the staging and fancy lighting, this morning scene is perfect just as it is. Tea anyone?
6 singing pebbles:
Am glad you are whistling at the shadows :) I know exactly that feeling of opening a saved "jar" of delightful aroma. For me it is dried Marjoram that takes me away... Or a visit to a lovely spice shop that is good for the doldrums... Breathing in all the aromas, sniffing the packages. But then our winters are quite as harsh as yours. Would love to join you for tea... If only in the ethers :) Enjoy!
PS - oops I meant our winters *aren't* quite as harsh as yours and is easier to get out... :)
Mmmmm,I can almost smell it!! It may be a little too early for this fragrant potion but in the evening next to a crackling fire, a warm glass of spiced, red wine! It warms the senses and the soul and really helps those achey joints relax! :)
I enjoy sniffing a spice jar full of cardamom! It immediately conjures images of Christmas, fireplaces, baking, frosty windows...all the delightful comforts of home. I love taking a whiff even in July, when it's hot and humid and unbearably heavy. Instant euphoria!
Ooo this sounds delightful. I'm a big fan of most types of tea but I've never tried chrysanthemum before. I shall have to get some. :-)
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