Tea. Such a small leaf changed my life. As a southern girl, growing up in the Mississippi Delta, sweet Lipton Tea was a staple at our dinner table. My flawless, elegant grandmother, Dorothy Lea Ragsdale, would elevate the bright orange, “vintage” matte tea pitcher into the air and pour her perfect concoction of tea and sugar over our glasses of ice as a pristine act of service to those she loved most. As a child, I learned that tea, regardless of it state (hot or or cold) was an act of love and service. For most of my life, I associated love with tea. I’d make sure I’d always have sweet tea in my home to emulate my Meme, but tea also became an act of rebellion and self love. If you read my story, “Beginning’s End,” you will understand what I mean. A simple, well curated concoction granted me my bravery to become independent,  became my comfort when I was alone, and introduced me to the love of my life, Brad.  When asked my favorite tea recipes, I would say simply consume it how it brings you comfort. That is what tea is…comfort. Whether it be an ice cold pleasure on a hot, balmy southern summer night or a warming comfort on a cold afternoon, tea is a respite in any condition. 

            As an act of service to yourself, because you deserve it, I would suggest treating yourself to a store-bought chamomile tea bag. Place the tea bag in a mug with water,  and warm it for a minute and a half in a microwave. Add any sweetener you like in it. Maybe a little honey or maybe a little bourbon depending on how your day went. If you don’t like or can’t drink alcohol, you don’t need it. “It don’t matter,” as we say in Arkansas and Alabama. I just want you to take time for yourself, drink a soothing beverage, and remind yourself that you are perfectly okay wherever you are. Sip. Smile. Feel. Snuggle. Rest. Have a beautiful time. 

          If you’d like to reach out and talk about tea, email me at leaervinwriter@gmail.com. Seriously, I love to talk about tea.  Don’t be shy and enjoy your cuppa!