Sometimes we have very emotionally involved weeks; well this week was one for me.
The loss of people who have, in some way, influenced your life helping you become the best you can be.
These relationships, whatever the time allotted or whatever the method of contact makes a difference.
As many of you are aware, one of my favorite places is North Hampton, MA.
I wrote about previous visits a few times back in 2012 was the first.
Since then a visit to “Tea Trekker” was one of the highlights of my trip.
I was “star struck” upon meeting the authors of my first purchased educational tea book, and humility became the norm. I felt unprepared to have lengthy conversations about the leaf, and I think Mary detected this.
Mary welcomed my conversation and helped to guide me through the extensive collection of teas she had on hand.
I would saunter through the shop, always glimpsing the display case of beautiful tea ware as I entered and for sure I could hear it calling me as I passed.
I would pick up displayed teas, and Mary would give me the scoop on the source, history, and quality.
Many a time, after she surmised my palate preferences, she would say I think you would enjoy this one more as she handed me a pu’er cake. She was also attuned to my budget constrictions and was quite aware a suggestion of a small quantity trial purchase might be the way to explore the higher price leaf.
Mary recommended some of the most enjoyable teas I have experienced, one, in particular, a Chrysanthemum Pu’er in brick form, I picked up two, one for myself and another for my friend Darlene.
Darlene so enjoyed this selection she went on a mission to get more the tea was magical.
Now back to the teaware “calling me” after examining a few pieces in the display case, all exquisite, I set my sight on a Kyusu. I did not own one, and this one with the carving and sleek design had my name on it.
Mary took the time to tell me about the creator and showed me the features and benefits, and yes it made it’s way into my collection and is one that I treasure now more than ever.
When the shop closed, I was saddened, though I understood and my trips to No Hampton maintain a gaping hole.
Mary, I have and will miss you. Condolences to Robert and the family,
Raising a cup to Mary in appreciation and gratitude.
Our industry has lost another great.
*the first two photos were taken from the Tea Trekker website and contain links to the site where you can find some wonderful tea and teaware.
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I raise my cup too.