Faith Family Friends

Celebrating the Joy of Living & Home Making ~

Baking, Cooking, Decorating, Tea Time, and taking Inspiration from those I love and the world around me...

A sharing of my heart and my home from a Christian perspective

...with a wee bit of whimsy added.

Monday 3 January 2011

Tea Time Tuesday

Happy New Year and Welcome to my 49th Tea Time Tuesday, my dear friends!



I am delighted you have stopped by! I trust you all enjoyed a wonderful holiday season; I know I did!  I want to thank you all for making 2010 such a wonderful blogging experience. When I started my Tea Time Tuesday party in January of last year, I wasn't really expecting a lot of interest but my, there are so many of you tea lovin gals out there and I'm so happy you enjoy coming by! 

So, here we are in another New Year and I'm another year older too. Time for a cup of tea! It's sure to lift one's spirits after the rush of the holidays. So, please come on in and make yourself at home....

My sweet hubby gifted me with a new tea book for Christmas, If Teacups Could Talk, and I'm thrilled to have received it. It is just filled with lovely sentiments and pictures. I'm sure to get a lot of ideas from its pages.


Hubby also gave me the cute teapot which is near the top of my post. It is adorned with a cardinal and pine cones and a big red bow on the handle; perfect for the holidays! 
I am having a cup of Bigelow's Cranberry-apple tea today in my Cream Lace teacup. The tea is red in colour and just right for this time of year.
A little nibble is nice too! How about a thumbprint cookie filled with raspberry jam? Yum!
Do you see the little rocking horse sitting there beside the teacup? That is an ornament I have had on the Christmas tree since my boys were small. I love little treasures with memories attached to them, don't you?

Do you have a 'thing' for anything? I happen to have a fondness for several things; one of them being rocking horses; love them! I'm not sure why; probably a fond memory from my childhood but I find them so charming! Perhaps it's because of one of my favourite childhood stories written by Margery Williams in 1922, The Velveteen Rabbit and the Skin Horse. The Skin Horse was very wise, you see, and I loved his explanation to the Velveteen Rabbit about what 'real' was.  

I have several rocking horses in my home... I have this one which sits in front of my Toile Rabbit surrounded by pretty gift boxes at Christmastime.
This cute rocking horse was a gift from my Auntie P and he is lucky enough to spend his time under the Christmas tree. Someone very lovingly made him and isn't he darling! Decked out in gray toile and trimmed in buttons and ribbon, he is indeed, as cute as a button!


Then there is this rocking horse ornament which my middle son Joel gave me for Christmas when he was nine years old; precious! A little teacup hangs nearby.



This rocking horse was a Christmas gift from my hubby this year. The rocking horse has a place of honour beside the fireplace where he will likely stay long after the holidays are over.

You may be wondering what does a rocking horse have to do with tea? Well, nothing really, I was just feeling nostalgic and wanted to share some of my rocking horses with you. Perhaps it has to do with being another year older or a chapter in my new book. Sometimes I take myself too seriously and so I like to add a little whimsy to lighten things up a bit. Hope you don't mind! I find the older one gets, the more one likes to indulge in their whimsies and so I guess that's what I'm doing today. But now on to tea things...

"Life is a cup to be filled, not drained." Anonymous
Three pretty teacups stack up under a cloche while a Lavender Rose sugar bowl sits nearby. All china pieces are  produced by Royal Albert.

"I can just imagine myself sitting down at the head of the table and pouring out the tea," said Anne, shutting her eyes ecstatically. "And asking Diana if she takes sugar! I know she doesn't but of course I'll ask her just as if I didn't know."
Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables.

The other day, my hubby got me out of the kitchen and while he was trying to keep me out, my youngest son was busying himself getting his birthday present to me all set up on the table. When I was finally allowed back into the kitchen, this is what I found!

A sweet snack set with the inscription, "A Mother's Love is the Greatest gift."  He had it all set up complete with tea and a little something sweet to nibble on.... I love my family!


If you look closely, you will see a rocking horse in the Victoria magazine above.

Ah, the joy of tea parties! I hope you have enjoyed your time here today. I have added the inlinkz for your convenience again this week. My son is home to help me with this but next week, I'm on my own again and we will see how it goes.

As we begin a new year, I pray each of us will strive to make the world around us a better place. We are all unique in our own way and we have much to bring to the world. Together, we can make a difference!

My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favour with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. ~ Proverbs 3: 1-4

As always, should you like to participate, please share a teacup or mug, teapot or china used in a tea. You may also do coffee, iced tea, hot chocolate, or eggnog/punch. It doesn't necessarily have to be tea every week! A poem, tea quote, or scripture verse would be most welcome. Please link your post back to me so your visitors may find their way here to visit with all my lovely participants. Have a lovely week everyone and God bless you!

I am also linking with the following hostesses~

Marty~ http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/   - Tabletop Tuesday

Kathy~ http://blissfulrhythm.blogspot.com/ - Victoria ~ A Return to Loveliness

Martha~ http://www.marthasfavorites.com/ - Teacup Tuesday
Terri~ http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com/  - Teacup Tuesday

Wanda Lee~ http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com/ - Tea Pot and Tea Things Tuesday
Pam~ http://breathoffreshair-paperbutterfly.blogspot.com/ - Tea Pot and Tea Things Tuesday

Wanda Lee~ http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/ - Tuesday Tea For Two

Lady Katherine~ http://ladykatherineteaparlor.blogspot.com/ - Teatime Tuesday

Donna and Miss Spenser~ http://missspensersblog.blogspot.com/ - Teacup Thursday






Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

37 comments :

  1. G'day Sandi ~ Wow! What darling horses ... & you have a teacup ornie just like mine.

    Such a beautiful presentation of your treasures.

    Love the teacups in the cloche.

    Have to enjoyed another wonderful visit & chat with you, tea was delicious.

    Pop over for our lovely CSN GIVEAWAY!

    Have a beautiful New Year ~
    TTFN ~
    Hugs, Marydon

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  2. Thank you for hosting! Have a wonderful new year!

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  3. Hello Sandi...Loved looking at your sweet rocking horses. Bet you love carousels, too. I think it's important, as the years go on, to surround ourselves with things we love and to be gentle with and good to ourselves! Then we can help make the world a better place, for sure.

    Take care and have a nice afternoon. Susan

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  4. Hi Sandi,
    Happy Birthday and I hope you had a wonderful Christmas too.
    Your tea book looks charming and I love your cloche and teacups.
    Thank you for hosting again and hope all goes well with the linky-sons do come in handy don't they!
    Blessings to you in the New Year,

    Carolyn

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  5. Oh Sandi, Happy Birthday to you girlfriend and I hope you had a wonderful New Year. I think your hubby knows you very well. Your gift is just precious and the sayings are beautiful. Char

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  6. Hi Sandi!

    Your cloche is so pretty.

    What a wonderful son you have. Don't the sweet little things just melt your heart? You raised him well.

    Have a fantastic week! La

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  7. Dear Sandi,
    you are so special! I love your post and you deserved all this thoughtful gifts so well. It is always a delight to visit your Tea Time Tuesday. Thank you for hosting this nice event and Happy New Year to you and yours.
    Greetings, Johanna

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  8. Hi Sandi,
    I so enjoyed this post, everything so gorgeous! What a loving family you have. I love the rocking horses!!
    Hugs
    Jacqui

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  9. Sandi, What a great Christmas present your husband gave you!! I received a new camera so look out....I do need to practice a bit though!! I'll be back with some teacups and tea things soon,
    Suzyq

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  10. Well, you certainly have some of the loveliest decorations and of course you stole my heart with the cloche and the beautiful teacups and china. Gorgeous. Thanks for joining to TTT. Hugs, Marty

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  11. I've been reading the very same book each evening. I'll have to work at joining you next week. I was cleaning and reading over Christmas break and didn't take any pictures for tea time. ♥♫

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  12. Oh Sandi...how sweet your son set up his gift with such a beautiful set and a bit of tea for you. That is better than diamonds isn't it?

    You have some lovely cups and teapots there. I really need to share mine again soon.

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  13. Hi Sandi
    Happy Birthday; your son has good taste for a gift. The rocking horses are sweet, a great collection which would be nice to have out all year.
    I have 'If Teacups Could Talk' too and I know you will enjoy it.
    Thanks for hosting and I look forward to joining you for tea this year.
    Judith

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  14. How sweet of your hubby to give you that beautiful teapot and book, Sandi. And you know what? I love rocking horses too. I always give grandsons a rocking horse each...Christine

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  15. Sandi, Your new teapot is absolutely precious! I loved the rocking horses you showed today as well. Glad you had a nice Christmas.
    Beth

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  16. Dear Sandi,
    Lovely post and sentiments. The best way to start the new year.
    Your Christmas and birthday sound lovely. Our birthdays are close.

    Have a happy and healthy New Year!
    Pam

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  17. What a sweet getaway to visit your beautiful blog. Your son's gift to you is perfect and so sweet. I love your collection of rocking horses. Thanks for sharing them. I have quite a few butterfly collectibles. Wishing you a very happy new year!

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  18. I have no teacups or tea parties to share today, but do want to say this is a lovely and inspiring post. Thank-you. Happy New Year to you and yours!

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  19. Sandi,

    Lovely post. Everything is just beautiful. Now that all the Christmas decorations are away and life seems a little simpler, I am going to plan a tea party for myself very soon.

    Carol

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  20. Hi Sandi...

    Ohhh...what a very special tea you hosted today, my friend! I really enjoyed all of your Christmas gifts...your family is so thoughtful! Your wooden rocking hose...the big one...is fabulous!!! I love rocking horses as well. My oldest daughter gifted me with one for Christmas this year...it's sooo pretty! I also love carosel horses and have a few of them as well! Love your new teapot with the pretty cardinal and pinecones!

    Well dear friend, not only was the tea wonderful but I also enjoyed all of the sweet sayings! And...especially the scripture in Proverbs...it's one of my favorites! Thank you so much for sharing your tea and hospitality, Sandi! It's always a treat, my sweet friend!!!

    Warmest wishes and Happy New Year!
    Chari @Happy To Design

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  21. I love Emelie Barne's books! What delightful gifts you've received! Your rocking horses are so wonderful - they do add a touch of childlike whimsy to your decorations! I so appreciate you joining me this week at A Return to Loveliness,
    Kathy

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  22. Hope you will have a wonderful 2011, dear friend!!

    Big TX Hugs,
    Stephanie
    Angelic Accents

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  23. So many lovely things you shared this week...I love your Cardinal teapot, he is perfect for the season...I to love rocky horses so loved seeing your little collection...

    I am so glad last Jan you started the teaparty and even happier I found it.

    Blessings Kelsie

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  24. Lovely post, Sandi. Your tea things are beautiful and I appreciate the effort you go to to make your blog so comforting and calming. Blessings to you ... Lynn

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  25. Thank you for dropping by.Sandy, I'm having so many problems with Mr.linky.I'm so happy I finally got something to work.My thumnail photo went up!Mr. linky keeps crying to me about&39?I'm so confused.Anyway, I love your post and am happy something worked

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  26. I really enjoyed spending some sweet moments with you and your thoughts. Your post was just beautiful.

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  27. Beautiful tea cups in your post! So many to see. I love the lacey white one. Red tea must look beautiful in it.
    I always love seeing tea cups in cloches, and yours are so pretty!
    Hugs,
    Terri

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  28. A very Happy Birthday to you. Another lovely tea...I will have to remember to join in next week :) Such lovely pictures and how sweet of your son to set that special birthday surprise up for you ~have a Wonderful Tea Time Love Heather

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  29. Sandi,
    LOVE that tea pot and I too adore rocking horses!!
    I am starting to undecorate the house for Christmas so i hope to return to Tea Tuesday soon...maybe in a week or 2...

    Hugs,
    Debbie

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  30. Good Morning Sandi,
    Happy New Year Sweetie!!! You said you were another year older, too. Have you recently celebrated a birthday???? If so then Happy Birthday Girl!!!
    Thank you for stopping by my blog and for your comments. They are very much appreciated.
    I love your hobby horses. I have a few myself. My oldest one is almost as old as me!! It is actually a burro on wheels which my uncle gave to me when I was a toddler.
    I love your snack set and tea pot. They are very special treasures for you.
    Today is my son's 25th birthday. The sky is clear, the sun is shining and life is grand!
    Take care.
    Warm hugs, Laura

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  31. You have such a beautiful blog, Sandi. I have enjoyed my visit. Everything looks so welcoming. Thank you for visiting me and leaving me such a sweet comment.
    *smiles*

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  32. Good morning Sandy.I've been wanting to tell you,I love your cloche.I'm also going to try stacked teacups in mine.Mine is shorter though .Since I moved to a smaller place I needed to keep my cloches a certain size.Boy, I've seen some giant ones.Maybe I'll post it soon,I don't know when.

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  33. I know I'm late but is for me a pleasure joining you in your Tea Time Tuesday
    I'll return next week in time!
    You have made a lovely post
    Hugs

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  34. Happy Belated Birtday Sandy,

    I almost missed Tea Time Tuesday. It is one of my favorite things. And I love the Velvtine Rabbit and Anne of Green Gables was one of my favorite books as young woman. Did you know I actually thought coming to your island for college just because of Anne. I know she is not a real person, but the lady who made her come life in her writing was real and lived on your island. Alas, money was always issue. Thanks for the beautiful tea time.

    Hugs with blessings,
    Amanda

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  36. Hi Sandi, your post is charming...filled with so many lovely and graceful things. I will have to join you soon. I love and adore tea things.

    Happy New Year and many blessings,
    Barb

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  37. Hi Sandi, Your things are so pretty! I am not particapating but just wanted to stop by your beautiful blog. I will be haveing tea with our little grands tomorrow. They just love having tea!
    God Bless,
    Sharon

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I am delighted to have you visit me and I read every comment. Please forgive me for not being able to visit you all as there are so many of you lovely bloggy friends now. I will visit as much as possible. I wish you a day filled with JOY!

Also, due to the amount of spam I've been getting, I have had to set Comment Moderation. ~ Sandi

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