Like tea to an empty cup, experiences occur for those able to hold them.
— Verna L. Hamilton
One decision can change everything.
(Raising my cup to all the Good Tea People around the world! Yes, I am alive and well. I trust that you are too. Go ahead and get your gaiwan or mug ready. Let’s catch up.)
Decisions, Decisions
There is something beautiful, powerful, and transformative about a single decision. For example, I decided some 17 years ago to begin Straight From the Leaf. Six years ago I decided to leave my blog on mute to focus on amplifying others’ voices, especially those who have been historically invisible and unheard. Now I’ve decided to take Straight From the Leaf off mute. For this unapologetic tea aficionado, there’s an undeniable pull towards artistic expression that’s as essential to me as breathing.
(But where have I been and what have I been doing? Drinking tea, of course. For my nosier Good Tea People, you can always check out my LinkedIn profile. It will provide professional updates. Please try to focus as I appreciate your taking the time to read this.)
Finding Afternoon Tea in Philadelphia
People only act from their level of awareness. As my elders taught, those who know better do better. Those of us who received the benefit of “home training” have a responsibility because we know better. There’s a pain point that comes along with it: once you know better, there is no unlearning what you know.
I was born in Philadelphia and I remember having afternoon tea in John Wanamaker’s Crystal Tea Room with my mother. The ambiance, the decor, the presentation, the food and the tea were immaculate. Whenever I hosted afternoon tea service, I endeavored to elevate my childhood experiences.
(Good Tea People, let’s pour out a libation for all the excellent tea rooms that ever existed and are no more. Let the tears mingle with the tea if necessary.)
As a result, whenever someone hears the word “tea”, I, as a longtime student of the leaf, get an outpouring of direct messages, texts and other forms of communication.
One day I decided to visit Alison’s Tea Room for a Sunday afternoon tea.
Alison’s Tea Room of Chestnut Hill
Located inside the Home Works Carriage House, the HospitaliTea House’s ambiance was an oasis of calm elegance. We arrived on time and I was particularly glad that the venue was friendly for those who have mobility needs.
We were greeted by Laura Russell and she asked us if we needed explanation about the teas. This is where I provide my gentle disclaimer: I am an unapologetic tea aficionado and we drink a lot of tea. I selected the Assam for myself — my soul cried out for a malty, full-bodied black tea that day — and a fruity and refreshing hisbiscus-based tisane for my guest. I later meandered my way to the oolong offering. All tea was sipped, enjoyed and truly appreciated.
Good Decisions Multiply
One of many reasons I love afternoon tea is the conversation it sparks. The conversations held in a tea room are sacred: no tea spilt here or there. Instead, we laughed, connected, planned and dreamed out loud. The tea flowed as freely as the ideas.
Our collective tea joy radiated so it attracted others towards our table to inquire about the afternoon tea service. Currently the HospitaliTea House has seatings available on Thursdays and Sundays: please visit the Alison’s Tea Room website for availability.
Cup Conclusions
Like tea to an empty cup, experiences occur to those able to hold them. This Alison’s Tea Room experience is one that I’ll remember simply because it was there I made a powerful decision: relaunch Straight From the Leaf to tell the Good Tea People where they are welcome and can thrive. That’s worth a sip or two.
Cups up! #DrinkTea