My 2015 Reading list (and resolution)

Every year we realize we want to do something new, such as, exercise or stop buying candy. For me this is reading. I always find I never read enough books throughout the year, so I am going to change that. I have created a list of books I have wanted to read and ones I am very curious about. The goal: to read them all before the end of the year (plenty of time to finish!). So lets check out the list together and I will start this, tonight.

1. A Tea Reader: Living Life One Cup at a Time by Katrina Avila Munichiello

   I will admit I have started this book last year ,but have yet to finish. So, guess where I am starting? Anyhow, this book is fantastic for any tea drinker as it is written by tea drinkers. I was drawn to this anthology because Cinebar, the writer for Gongfu Girl, has contributed a piece, and I am all for supporting other bloggers.

2.The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

     After watching the movie late last year, I was itching to read the book. Liesel is a character that you just have to fall in love with. Her life through WWII is full of special moments with family and  friend she makes (I am hoping the slight romance between her and the stowaway is in here too).

3.Romance of the Three Kingdoms Vol.1 by Lo Kuan-Chung

   Romance, history and a bit of mythology: Romance of the Three Kingdoms is one of four great classical novels from China. Parts of it have been made into movies, such as, Red Cliff (Fave! ). I adore my Chinese Dramas (Currently watching Romance of the Condor Heroes), so reading a novel is a must for me. It really ties into my mini goal of a few Chinese/Japanese Authors on this list.

4.Tale of Genji by Shikubu Murasaki

    When my love for kimono brought me to Liza Dalby's book "Kimono", I was introduced lightly to this novel. In contrast to the previous book this one is full of: forbidden love, revenge, poetry and even a demon/ghost. Its written during the height of the Heian era which places the publication year before 1021. Let's just say I love history.

5.Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi

 While in my final year at OCAD University, I read Sun Tzu's "Art of war". Both of which I am reading as a "guide" to business, which is what "Art of War" is often re-framed as. The time difference is significant as this book was published in 1645, many years after "Art of War".  A time that was just a few years before big changes in Japan (letting foreigners in etc).
 

6.Zen and Tea: One Flavour by Aaron Fisher

  Aaron Fisher is one of my favorite authors, naturally he is on this list. I just love how he writes and adored "The Way of Tea". This one goes deeper into the relationship of tea and zen. Both things, which you know by reading this blog, that I just can not get enough of. I can not wait to learn more about "Wu Wei" and the even deeper meaning behind it (than what I already know).

7.Tea Medicine by Aaron Fisher

 Did you know that tea was once used medicinally? or that in Chanoyu (Japanese Tea Ceremony) it is still referred to as a "dosage of tea"? Through these two points, I hope to learn more about tea from this perspective as  "student" under my teacher Wu De (Aaron Fisher).

8. A Course in Miracles by Helen Schucman

  After reading a few books by Gabrielle Bernstein, who references this text, I felt the need to learn from the same text that helped her become who she is, by learning self-forgiveness and listening to your inner voice. She used this text as a basis to bring forth the same "healing" that she received from this very book. While this book is more of a textbook in format, it is also a workbook as well. It will be a little companion of mine for the next while as I work towards my own "healing".

9.Not That Kind of Girl by Lena Dunham

 After many trips to chapters and spotting this book, its time to read it (alright A Beautiful Mess's Book Club read it and now I want to). Just by reading the description of the book, it made me want to run out and get it. Lena has set this book up as a collection of essays, lists and e-mails from her own life. What kind of Woman can pass up the opportunity to  learn the lessons that another Woman experienced? Definitely not me.

10.What I know for Sure by Oprah Winfrey

  For as long as I can remember I have watched Oprah with my mom regularly growing up, it is very empowering to see a woman give back so much to the world around her (and even take the time to write). When I saw this book It called to me and also felt like a book my mom would give me. With that thought in mind I want to take the time to read this and then pass it on to her, as we can both use a little wisdom from a Woman we both respect.

  I can not wait to get to many of these but I am (as mentioned) starting with "The Tea Reader". No exact order will be followed for the course of this adventure (okay I might get "Not That Kind of Girl" next).

till next time,

2015 Goal Planning for your Life + Biz with Love from Leonie Dawson

Three weeks into 2015, how the time flies. The last little while I was sick and am back to full health last week. The little down time was just what was needed to ring in the new year and get things going (with a little help).
 To start the year right, I ordered "My Shining Year Life + Biz". This book has been a blessing. It encourages you to review the previous year and set goals for the new one. The absolutely best part is the colorful pages that beg to be filled out (its a little addicting).
  It will be another little bit before I have some concrete goals to share but I wanted to share this book with you all. Last year was amazing but I feel we can step it up and make it even better. Let's get the most out of this year together and achieve our dreams!

P.S. There is also an e-book version if you want to save a bit of money ( and paper). 

Brita: Great Tasting Water for Your Tea (and a Giveaway!)

Have you been feeling a little parched lately? With this weather no wonder we are all feeling thirsty. Brewing up a good cup of tea needs one key thing: good clean water. My personal choice for ensuring my water is truly clean is with my Brita pitcher. It's time to talk water.

  Water is important, even if you drink coffee ( Did you know that, Starbucks filters their water?).  

 Its the time of year where its super easy to forget to drink water. its so cold that at times we forget. 

 This pitcher is a game changer from the last version I had around almost 10-15 years ago. This one is built to last. I just love that it is green (don't you?). 

 The size, 10 liters, is perfect for while I am living  at home. We used to buy water bottles all the time but we have almost cut that out. Which is a big change from the old style. This one has a little flip lid, so that you can fill it with the rest of the lid on. That and the LED light, that tells you when to change the filter, made me jump for joy.
    Alright enough talk about the device, lets get back to water. I compared Brita water to regular tap water, they are quite the same but with a little more life in the first. So much that it is my water of choice for when I am going to make a cup of tea (or pot of coffee). By the way, my parents (Read: Brother) fills the reservoir of their Keurig with the water, and they love it.   

Giveaway!!!

I have partnered with Brita for  a giveaway of their Filtered Water Bottle.  I picked up one of my own over the summer, and, I just love it (it stays next to my bed now). Here's to a your health!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
**Open to Canadians only

     Both pitcher and product giveaway were provided by Brita. All thoughts are my own, and true. All product mentions are done only if I have used and love the product itself. 

Generosity + Love : What the season is about

Little miracles can happen at any moment, everyday. This is what I believe since reading "Spirit Junkie" and "May Cause Miracles" by Gabrielle Bernstein. Something amazingly touching happened last night on my walk here in my hometown.

 Quite regularly I go for walks with my best friend James for a bit of exercise and a good talk. After a long walk (and discovering that my Grandparents home still stands), we sat down for a bit. Like usual we chatted about what is going on in our lives, the holidays etc.

   Part way through a talk about classes, a guy walked up to us. Usually when someone does this our first thought is they want something. But, something told us this was not the case. In his hand were a few bills. He said "hi", handed us each money while saying "Merry Christmas". It was not much, but the very act was priceless. 

  We were both shocked. James  hurried after him and thanked him. This guy who knew nothing about us, just felt blessed and wanted to give back. Little did he know both of us were struggling financially and this act made us feel the love which comes with the season. 

  We both felt like anything that made us feel down from the past was so small and we can focus on the present. I am not sure what I will do with hid gift yet, but I am sure a sign will come. 

     

    I wish you all a wonderful Holiday Season. Happy Holidays everyone from my family to yours!

Setting new Intentions with the New Moon

 Monday is the new moon for me, this month I have decided to set some intentions. If you have a few things you would love to manifest into your life this is for you. Think of "new beginnings" or even little things you wish would happen, make a list and come along for the ride.

 The other night I had an emotional talk with a close friend of mine about how things have been really great this year. To continue this pattern, I choose to try something new, intention setting with the moon. Its a really powerful thing in itself. It makes oceans raise and lower, and even can effect our moods ( we are mostly water).
    To get prepared for the new moon, which is this coming monday, I started a list of things I want to manifest. I am asking the universe to bring these things into my life. The overall theme is things you want in your life, beginnings or newness. So right now my list includes things like "Forgiving the past" and "Spending 2014 New Years with friends".
   The last one is very achievable, it is important for this process to have smaller things that can manifest sooner than others. Now for the first one, that will take time. A good balance of both types will help things manifest things quicker.
  On Monday night I am going to do my own little spiritual practice with a bath, meditation, incense and candles. My plan is to really prepare myself to let things things come in their own time (and give my friends a call).
   I really suggest you try it out. I unknowingly did this while in Halifax while paiting and wrote many things that I wished happen. If it were not for that moment and the work I did on my part, I feel I would not have gotten as far as I have (I am starting to work in the New Year!).

Try this out, but make it your own. If meditation is not your thing and you want to pray or dance, just do it. Intention setting is really a personal thing.
 Happy Holidays everyone. I have a great supprise for you all after Christmas.

Cheers,

Urban Oasis: Secret Sculpture Park

Urban Oasis is a collection of images of spaces in cities where we can take a few moments to connect with nature, find balance and find peace. Past posts from the series can be found here.

 If you want to see where this park is go to street view on the map below. If you have any problems just send me a message and I can help out!
                                      

P.S. This location is great for a little time "out" of the city. I have taken some tea gear with me a number of times here for a little peace. While it is beautiful in the winter I can not wait to show you how it is during the warmer months.

Quotable: Learn from your experiences

We have many experiences though our lives. Everyone offers lessons. Oprah Winfrey explains this well in todays quotable. I have learned a lot through out the last year and a bit such as relationships, change and even trusting your gut.

Tough relationship

   Speaking of gut feeling last year I had a sinking feeling while visiting an ex, not just once but every time I was over. I first thought, what is this? What does it mean? Meanwhile I was spending time with them, I found out latter, had begun to close the chapter in their life with me in it. Apparently being on "a break" means that the relationship was over but I did not know that is how they felt.
   For three years I thought that we were trying to grow our friendship , as they told me. The actual end had happened and I had missed it. Friends and even co-workers told me to get out, it was over. I did not listen.

Time to end it

   It was not till November last year that I made a decision to end it. A weight was lifted off of me and I began to see things clearly. My intuition told me that they were now with their roommate, little did I know that it was right. After ending it, I saw them both twice. I stopped there because I wanted to only have positive people in my life.

Listen to lifes lessons

   Clarity quickly came in the following months as I carefully choose who I wanted in my life. With that I rekindled a friendship and now we are closer than before. I learned that life can throw us these lessons in the form of a problem or even a person. We just need to understand that it is an assignment and we can not get around it.
   My lesson was to listen to my intuition and be selective who I hang around with. Negativity is something no one has time for because theirs can bring you down as well.

P.S. Did you know that this weeks Quotable was created with both tea and watercolours? They are a few of my favorite mediums to work with. I am a little shy when it comes to my work, so I am going to to share it with you to work through it.

Till next time!

Bring the Holiday cheer: Gift Guides for Yogis and Spirit Junkies

Welcome to the second (and last) part of gift guides for the holiday season! This weeks two guides were put together with yogis and those of us that are a little bit of a spirit junkie (I'm guilty, how about you?). Naturally there are items that even tea lover or even creatives may like, so have an open mind when looking around. If you missed last weeks post here is a link to it here. Happy Holidays everyone!

Freckle Face Creations Unusual Positive Stamped Word Charms // Sugar Blossom Beatrix with Tassel Friendship Bracelet // Tealish Delicious Detox Green Tea // Lole "Yoga a Paris" City Water Bottle// Dusky Leaf Yoga Mat in Avocado and Chocolate

 Mala Collective Prana Mala Necklace //Arbonne FC5 Exfoliating New Cell Scrub Mask // May Cause Miracles: A 40-day Guidebook Of Subtle Shifts For Radical Change And Unlimited Happiness  // Davids Tea Blueberry Jam Tea Scented Candle / Spirit Junkie Alternative Ladies Maniac Sweatshirt

There is less than 24 hours left for the current Spirit Junkie tops but I had to add it in to the collection. I am going to be snagging one before time runs out. How about you? Or is there an item that you want to share that you recommend? Post it in the comments below and I'll send a little love your way.

till next time

Trust yourself: the power of self belief

There was many times through my life I doubted myself. Especially during university going through art school. Every piece I created was a part of me,  just as it is with all other artists.
  During one class in my final year , each student was given a price is paper. Printed in it were words that have helped me through dark times and reach my goals. "Trust yourself". 

Who would have known that those three words helped me begin to develop Tea Journey and even dream up new things for my portfolio. It even helped a dear friend of mine when he was conflicted with some personal matters. Those two words helped him find the answer he needed. 

   I know I am not the only one who has moments when you need a little push. So feel free to print out the image above and place it somewhere you will see it every day, or even write it on a small card and carry it with you in your wallet. You hold with in you everything you need to do the best thing for your self, Trust Yourself.

ps. If any guys want a less girly version, leave a comment and I'll post one just for you. 

much love,

Bring the Holiday cheer: Gift Guides for Tea Lovers and Creatives

 When it comes to gift giving there is always a moment where we need a little help. This year I have created four guides that are split up into two posts. Each guide has various ideas for that special someone on your list. From Tea lovers to creatives ,and even those Yogis and that super earthy spiritual someone.

Signature Sloane Tea Sampler Collection // Kate Spade Greenwich Grove Teapot // Moleskine Passions Tea Journal // Royal Albert Centenary Collection Tea Cup "Duchess" //Camellia Sinensis Bamboo and Porcelain Tea Flask 

Frends with Benifits Taylor Rose Gold Headphones // Winsor and Newton Cotman Water Colours Field Box Set- 12 Half Pans // Ashley Brooke Designs "Everyday I'm Hustlin'!" Travel Mug // Faber-Castell Perfect Pencil // Moleskine Creative Cloud Smart Notebook

Every item was curated with you in mind, but I want to know what you would add or change. Let me know in the comments below!
Happy Holidays!~

Digital Table: Global Tea Hut November

 Welcome to the Digital Table where you are part of a global conversation with tea. Global Tea Hut is a Non-Profit Organization that sends out a sampling of tea, a gift and a special magazine. Everything is brought together by the community to spread the love of tea, Dao and Zen. Join us the last Wednesday of every month to discuss the current packet from Global Tea Hut.

      This series was created because the message from Global Tea Hut touched me. It is of my own creation and I receive nothing from them ,but good karma of spreading their message and cause . All past posts can be found under "Digital Table" here.

 Ran a little late with this post ( technical difficulties mostly) but there was a lot to share with you regarding this months tea! It's well worth the wait and I am eager to have another cup. So let's put this show on the road!
  This months tea blew me away.... and also had me reaching for a good book.  It has a body that reminded me of the "Champagne" like body of a Bai Hao Oolong (Oriental Beauty) with that touch of aroma fruity. The name "Peaceful Slumber" or "An Mian"suits it very well . This tea is grown in Pingling in Northern Taiwan and it relaxes every part of your body with each sip.

  It is a great tea, but what is up with the GABA?   This one is semi-oxidized as it is from taiwan but in Japan they make a less-oxidized version. Global Tea hut made the suggestion that it perhaps deserves its own category much like pu-er because of  its unique qualities . I totally agree with them after  investigating more into GABA or Gamma Amino Butyric Acid.

It exists naturally within our bodies. It is part of our nervous system where it prevents over-excitement of the system itself.  It has been documented that when there is a low level in the body it can lead to disorders in the same area of the body.  It was discovered in Japan about twenty to twenty five years ago. Soon after it was brought to Taiwan, where it is slow to gain notice with the locals.The thing is that its true categorization is hard to make. The same tea originally from Japan is made differently than it is in Taiwan, but the for the latter version Oolong varieties are used and the processing makes the tea look closer to red tea.

GABA Tea is always organically grown and that it because the amount of GABA decreases if it is grown any other way. This tea is seed grown and are given plenty of space to grow in.  This is where nature is allowed to do its thing. There is a deep respect for nature between the farmer and the trees themselves. 

  With its deep connection to nature, it is a perfect tea for meditation.  Just like what is suggested in "And Begin to Absorb Peace" article.  During older times, as the kettle slowly reached a boil, that time was used for this practice. Very similar to the moment that a host would take before starting to clean their tools in Japanese  Tea Ceremony.  It really sets the tone for any tea session and you can still do it with an electric kettle, but it is best done the old fashioned way (read  that as fun way).

This article really got me itching to get out my tetsubin, Of course I would do it only while the rest of the family is at work. How about you? Are you eager to try this centering practice before your next tea session? Let me know in the comments below (or hey send me a tweet if that works for you).
 Till next time, keep on steeping and Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends.
Cheers!

Global Tea Hut is a digital community where tea drinkers enjoy the same tea(s) every month across the world. It is subscription based where all the proceeds go towards a non-profit tea center (Tea Sage Hut) in Taiwan that is open to all. For more information on Global Tea Hut and the center please visit them at:

Global Tea Hut

Tea Sage Hut

**All opinions are my own and subscription is paid by me, as a donation to the tea center

Quotable life lessons: Allow yourself to be strange

    Quotable is a series of little life lessons that can be taken from quotes. Learn about little ways to improve your life, learn more about yourself and find balance. It is a great place to learn a bit about Dao and Zen, without all the jargon. More Quotable Life lessons can be found here.

Perhaps it is because I went on a "Alice in Wonderland" binge today, but this quote just was begging to be shared. Think about it how many quirky things do you do. I personally talk to my cat by imitating him  or just talking to him like he could  understand. Oh but thats just one of the things I do. I bet even you have a little list.

     These little things are part of us. They give us the unique beauty that only we have. They make us stand out from a crowd when someone gets to know us. Like how you have a large collection of steamy romance novels  or a large collection of zombie movies. They help create who we are, no matter how strange.
   So embrace it and never let it go, be yourself!