Sunday 9 November 2014

Sunday this and that . . .

























I have to admit that one thing I did miss after joining the church was an occasional cup of tea . . .  and by that I don't mean a tea bag in a mug with boiling water poured over it.   I mean a nice cup of tea, in a china cup . . . poured in from a pot.  I was never one to take sugar or milk in my tea . . .

I enjoy herbal infusions now . . .  but sometimes long for a nice cup of Earl Grey or Constant Comment.   Constant Comment was my favourite with it's warm spices and orange overtones . . .




















 Not drinking black tea however . . .  doesn't mean I can't still enjoy the rituals that surround it . . .  and this time of year when the days are fast becoming cold and dark  . . .  and the rain doth fall . . . teatime comes early at Casa de Rayner.

There is nothing quite so glorious as toasting your toes by the fire in late afternoon, blanket over your lap while your hands cup a steaming cup of herbal tea or otherwise . . . it's warmth curling up towards your face in steamy tendrils as you slowly sip . . .























There is something very ritualistic about tea in the late afternoon on a cold autumn day . . .  it is comforting and kind . . .  and there must be cakes of some sort, toasted or otherwise.

And gentle conversation . . .   taking tea . . .  it is an art and not to be rushed.

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 I found some time to create yesterday.   I did this yesterday afternoon, and of course it is for sale.   I still have not sold my last one either.

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It does not really matter . . .  it just means they get to live with me a bit longer.  I don't know what is up with the licensing company which said they were taking me on.   I uploaded all of my work to the site, but they still have not worked out a profile for me yet, or a portfolio and I am not mentioned in any of their artists lists . . .  it's a bit disturbing.  I did e-mail them twice over the past month.   The first e-mail I enquired as to was there something else they needed from me.  They responded that they were having a meeting at the end of the week and would get back to me.  No response.  So I e-mailed again and once more no response.

I am a bit worried as I signed a five year contract with them, which means I cannot license my work to anyone . . . nada . . .  during that time.   All licensing must go through them, and they get a commission on it . . .  but they seem to have done nothing with my work at all as far as promoting it goes.   So I am beginning to wonder if I have been had . . .  not a nice feeling.

I can't afford to buy new supplies now, or to print out prints, etc.  I have run out of business cards and the little stickers I put on the back of my cards and I cannot afford to buy new ones.  Likewise the card supplies . . . and the paints.  I am hoping that I will be able to afford to buy some new supplies in the new year.  Fingers are crossed!

A thought to carry with you through today . . .


❥✻❥.¸¸.✿¨¯`❥✻❥¸¸.✿¨¯`❥✻❥.¸¸.✿¨¯`❥✻❥
It's the little things of life that make it all worth while,
The gracious gesture quietly made, the unexpected smile.
The courteous act, the loving thought,
The kindliness that can't be bought.
Its the little things that prove the sort of folks we are,
What we say can charm or please, or it can hurt and jar.
It's the little things that test, and show us at our worst or best.
~Patience Strong
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Baking in the English Kitchen today  . . .  Spiced Apple Croissants.   These are fabulously delish!  Simple to make as well!

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Have a very blessed Sabbath Day.   




7 comments:

  1. Marie I am sending you a huge hug and a lot of loving thoughts. Perhaps you could find someone to see if this is legal. If they are not doing anything for you I cannot see how they can hold you to a contract but I don't know the law.

    I wish I could say I liked tea. But in my mind it is associated with being sick. Way too much tea and tea making in my life.

    God bless you darling girl.

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  2. It's been ages since I made a pot of tea. I'm guilty of pouring the hot water over the tea bag in a cup. I can remember the days I did take time to do it though. The croissants you have in the kitchen today look wonderful. I'll say a little prayer that all works out with your artwork. Hope your Sunday is a restful and relaxing one !

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  3. How terribly rude of them to not respond to your emails.
    Why make you wait and wonder and fret?
    I think that is very poor business wise and human being wise.


    I don't think I knew you could not drink tea..

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  4. Thanks Suzan! I will give them another week and try contacting them again. It is very disconcerting, and not very professional I don't think. I hope you are still enjoying your travels! xxoo

    They are really nice Pam, the croissants. You will have to make some for your grandbabies next time they come over! Thanks for your kind prayers. xxoo

    I think you are right about it Monique, it is very rude and I am not sure there is any excuse for it. Quite unprofessional really. It does not bode well I don't think.

    We do not drink tea, coffee or alcohol. Hope you are having a lovely weekend! xxoo

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  5. It seems that my comment this morning did'nt appear !! flew into thin air again...
    Anyway I was saying that in China Peter and I had an invitation to have a Chinese Tea sampling."tea" we had a lovely lady who sat with us at the tablel with cups and teapots at the ready. She explained how they were all differently brewed...first was the Ginsing Tea I liked that one very much, then came Jasmine, ok..next was ne I cant remember it's name but it came as a round block hat she broke a piece off and used it t make the tea...a kind of block of tea! nice as well. last was Fruit Tea liked that one a lot especially as one ate the fruit afterwards !! When I was in China the only thing that I did not enjoy was the tea...no milk to be seen, and that is teh ne thing I do like lots of milk in my tea,,,
    I do hope that you can get that contract thing sorted out Marie,,does not sound very good to me....I am so sorry that you are not able financially to renew your paints etc, maybe a hint to friends for Xmas ??
    Hope that you have had a lovely Sunday and that you felt refreshed after your visit to the Temple on Thursday.
    ( Just wondering why are you advised not to drink tea ? surely tea leaves are a plant that the good Lord made for our use ? and I dont think tea leaves are actually toxic...)

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  6. Oh how I miss regular tea too Marie. I drink herb tea at least once a day now since the weather is cooler once again. Love the quote at the top of the page. Heee, that's me all the way!

    Your latest art work is so very vibrant and charming. Besides the sweet angel flying with a heart, the rolling hills in the background really adds so much. You are just so talented!

    Sorry about the licensing company not responding to you. How rude!

    I'll be watching 'The Paradise' tonight. Downton Abbey isn't on yet in the US. :-(

    Have a wonderful week ahead!
    Much love, xoxo

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  7. HI Sybil, we have a healthy law within our church beliefs which is called the Word of Wisdom. The Word of Wisdom is a law we follow to help take care of our physical body. We believe that our body is a gift from God and that we honour and worship our Heavenly Father by respecting this precious gift. The Word of Wisdom forbids the drinking of tea, coffee and alcohol, the use of drugs including tobacco and nicotine and the excessive consumption of meat - all of which modern science has proven to be harmful to the body. The Word of Wisdom also encourages us to eat healthily by consuming grains, fruit and vegetables. This principle was first revealed in the first half of the 19th century well before scientists had identified the harmful effect that tobacco, alcohol, tea and coffee could have on the body. This is one of many proofs to me that Joseph Smith was indeed a prophet who received this knowledge directly from God. For me, living the Word of Wisdom is not just about the physical benefits that come from following a healthy lifestyle. It is about the spiritual blessings that come from obedience to God and the strength of character that comes from standing up and being different. I hope that explains it properly Sybil!

    On another note how wonderful that you were able to experience a Chinese Tea Sampling. I look forward to hearing more about your trip. It must have been fascinating on many levels! I have always been interested in Oriental culture. xxoo

    Thanks Valerie! I had such good feelings about this company at the start, mostly because they were members of the church and based in Utah. But now I am not so sure! I love the Paradise too. Last night was the season ender for Downton. We haven't watched it yet. I don't think that the series is near long enough! I could easily be happy with at least six more episodes!! Mind you they always do a Christmas special as well, so I must be content and wait for that! xxoo

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