This morning I woke up knowing it was time to do something fun.
To turn on some music, and set out to bake some treats.
To add magic into my life on a random day.
I will tell you one thing -
There is something wonderful that happens if you stay at a tea party for too long.
But I'll tell you that part in a minute.
First...
The menu was mini scones, brownie cake bites and tea sandwiches.
All made from scratch.
I love the zen of baking.
I start by cleaning my kitchen really well, a blank slate.
Then I plunge into the measuring and mixing and oven timing.
I love the quiet hum of the oven.
And Matty standing by the corner of the oven door sniffing the air.
Have you ever known a dog who is obsessed with baked goods?
I set the table with antique cloth napkins and dried flowers.
When I sent my mom a little video of what I was doing she said -
I think tea time like this should be a daily must.
I have to say it was an instant mood lifter and I agree with her.
To sit and enjoy a cup of tea, add a spark of light and joy to the day.
It's about taking the time to do something nice for yourself.
And then of course, after several cups of tea the real fairy magic begins.
When cherries get dipped into edible fairy dust and edible stars somehow float onto your cake.
And before you know it, you have a very proper piece of fairy cake right in front of you.
And what, may I ask, could be better on a weekday afternoon than a proper piece of fairy cake?
It seems nothing was at that very moment.
I am working on finding my new norm and not feeling worried all the time.
I have been home since March 8th.
I leave occasionally to visit my country house, but have been nowhere else.
I have not seen my family or friends since February 16th.
I am working to do my part to keep others and myself safe.
So, tea parties are a necessary must.
I am working in my garden, throwing tea parties, and working on art projects.
In the meantime, I am finding ways to add a spark into my life and live happily in this moment in time.
To find my own joys and get back to living in some way that adds light and joy to my life.
I did feel quite stressed for a long while, but now I feel that stress gets me nowhere.
Things are what they are, and all I can do is my part to stay safe, stay home, stay healthy.
And why not have a little fun while I am fine and well?
I am taking this very seriously, I know many people who have gotten sick and a few have even lost the battle.
And while that sounds quite somber - for whatever time I have left in my life I have decided that I need to do the best that I can to live with a mindset of gratitude and do my part, whatever I deem it to be. I will sacrifice whatever I have to in order to help the cause.
If that means I stay home for the next year, then I will.
I know not everyone can do that, but if I can then I will do my part the best way that I can.
And in that time I will grow plants and bake a lot of fairy cakes :-)
I will watch the birds and nurture my pumpkin patch.
I will sing and play my piano.
I will paint with wild abandon.
I will pray and do yoga and dance.
I will talk to all my friends and family on the phone.
I'll read books and watch the sunset.
That's basically what I'm up to here in my neck of the woods.
How about you?
All I can say is that tea time is a mighty fine medicine.
Hands down.
Sparkles included ;-)
I'll see you really soon.
Can you believe it?
Love, Vanessa
