It’s the Holidays and a time to be joyous and drink lots of tea. This season with the state of my world I have chosen to celebrate in a simpler, more somber way.

Celebrating the gratitude I have, for what I have, and help others in the hopes for tomorrow.

I will revel the sense of calm I feel, drinking my cups of tea along with homemade sweets and treats.

There will not be many gifts under the tree, and those that are there, I will probably create myself. No, this is not a downer, this is the way I choose and it’s not for everyone.

In wanting to help others within our Tea Industry and support their endeavors, I will mention an offering I looked at, to send whatever support I could. (Sorry it is not much).

Since the inception of the US League Of Tea Growers, I’ve followed and cheered on, progresses by the member growers. Ordering tea from many of the farms that currently have leaves ready for brewing, enjoying the journey immensely and look forward for each new seasons offering.

One farm, that is at the beginning stages of cultivation, is in Mississippi, headed by Jason McDonald, The Great Mississippi Tea Company . Jason has taken on an incredible feat and has done so wonderfully. He has solicited the efforts and guidance of some of the most knowledgeable in our industry.

The mission “setting out on a course to develop a working model for commercial tea farming in the First World as a beacon for the world to implement mechanization and innovative thinking to produce and sell an ethically sustainable crop for the masses while not employing the traditional labor standards so widely used in the industry.”

Recently, I got a notice about an opportunity being offered that I wanted to be a part of  ADOPT A TEA PLANT.

Yes, I want to grow my own tea plant, although knowing my history with plants, until I do more research and investigate my options for this climate, I do not feel ready to do so. By adopting a plant I feel as if I am growing one that will have a better chance of survival.

The offer has many levels and I found one that fit my budget, although I would have so enjoyed dining with Jason and Tea Expert, Nigel Melican that is offered at the $5000.00 level.

If you are looking to treat yourself to something different this season, or give someone a gift of an adopted tea plant check out the link. Helping someone in our industry is something to consider.

By the way Jason, do I get a photo of my plant and get to name it? J