Two Things that can take you back to Simpler Times....

...Writing a Letter and Taking Tea!

It seems the more connected we are to the world outside our front door, across oceans and miles, the more  disconnected we are becoming. We are rapidly changing from a society of enjoying life and all that it has to offer, to one that needs instant gratification no matter the cost.

Photo credit~ click here

Take a moment to think.... when was the last time you actually sat and put pen to paper and wrote? Hmm... how about the last time you actually communicated with someone in "full English or the language you speak " where you actually wrote complete words, sentences, paragraphs instead of  something like: C U L8er ( translation:  See you later)? 

Now, when you sit to enjoy a nice cup of tea do you plug the kettle in, pour the boiled water over the tea bag (of course you want that tea now ... so you are probably swishing the tea bag in the cup , so the water turns colour faster) ~ I see a couple of you smiling and nodding~ and of course any cup will do ... right?

These two simple acts provide us with much more than information and a warm beverage. If performed the "old fashion" way they offer us so much more. Sitting down  to write a letter, note or post card actually helps stimulate and activate our brain; it allows us to sit and catch our breath as we gather our thoughts about what we would like to write. A handwritten letter is more than just words on a page, it shows the recipient that you care enough about them to take a few moments in your day to think about them and actually write ~  not just send a quick email or text - that is generic and could have been sent to numerous people. A letter is personal. You are also sending a gift of a few moments of relaxation; as (especially in today's world) someone receives a handwritten letter ... they are so surprised, that they will take a few moments to sit down and relax while reading your letter. Perhaps they will even make themselves a cup of tea.

Unlike texts, IM or emails which often get deleted, thoughts, words handwritten on paper are something you can save and read again and again in years to come. Have you come across a letter that was written to you years ago, and as you re-read it , the memories attached to it came back in vivid detail? I have and I can tell you, it's a wonderful feeling!

In it's early days, tea was thought to have magic powers and cure all. Well, I can tell you there is some magic healing in them leaves. For the past year I have made taking tea once a day a priority in my day. The 15-25 minutes that it takes to boil the water, spoon tea leaves into a teapot, wait for the tea to steep for the appropriate time before pouring the golden liquid into a teacup (with a saucer) sitting back and awakening my senses ~ smell, sight, taste and hearing  - yes hearing, there is therapeutic value in the sound of the kettle whistling that it's ready and the trickling of the water as it is poured from kettle to teapot and then to teacup. During this time I may just sit and let my mind wander into peacefulness, or I may write a few words to a dear friend or if I'm lucky I have a letter or note or card to read ... that was written by someone dear, just for me.

Where do you take tea? and Do you use a special teacup?

Here are some images I hope will inspire you to take a few moments in your day to truly enjoy a cup of tea!

Taking time to write friends and family and to enjoy a cup of tea are simple things that I am able to do, which bring calmness to my day if for only a a few moments. 

How do you bring a few moments of peace and relaxation into your busy day?

Don't forget to enter my Gardeners Box give away Click Here to Enter ends June 9th.

Become a BlogLand Pen Friend and bring a smile to someone's day INFO HERE.

Joining these fabulous ladies for tea:

Tea Time Tuesday with Sandi

Martha's & Terri's Tea Time Tuesday

Antiques And Teacups

Teacup Thursdays

What's in Your Mailbox?

If you are among the majority of people chances are the only thing that is filling up your mailbox these days are...

Bills to pay

or Loads of junk mail

As our society's need for instant gratification continues to grow in leaps and bounds. Becoming the green monster that eats away bit by bit at the simpler things in life that bring so much happiness and smiles into our day.

You Have Mail ~

One of the great things about living in the country is that you have a mailbox with a little flag, letting you know [when the flag is up] You Have Mail ..

Before the time of telephones a written letter was the only means of learning what was happening around the world or in the next town. Letters were sent via ships across the oceans, by trains and horse carriages or sent with people who were travelling to the letter's destination. Depending on its place of origin, it could take months to receive word from loved ones. With the introduction of the telephone not only were you able to learn of world events and happenings in a loved one's life, in a timely manner, you could enjoy the sound of their voice.

Fast forward to today, and both the handwritten letter and telephone seem to be slowly replaced by email, texting, and various other electronic communication devices. Actually many young people will look at you with a terrified look when you speak of writing a letter ... they would sooner [hide behind technology] text than actually put pen to paper [they would actually be required to think, spell out words - correctly].

As for speaking on a phone - though many young people have cell "phones", these are used to play games, text, take photos, play music rather than actually being used to talk to others. 

What our young people have not realized is much of this form of communication is not saved for future trips down memory lane [or if a device crashes before proper back-up - the information contained within is lost], unlike a letter or card that can be safely stored and easily accessed.

Don't get me wrong I love the options and benefits that technology provides, after all if it were not for the internet many of us would not have been given the opportunity to get to know each other. What I'm saying is let's not forget  the "classic, elegant, timeless art of handwritten letters"  because "trendy abbreviations, instant response, less thinking" can be achieved with clicks on a computer. After all you haven't stopped wearing your Little Black Dress because wearing a pant suit is fashionable now. No, you wear both....

When was the last time you sat and actually 

put pen to paper, to compose a letter?