05 March 2008

Tea & Wine

Increasingly, in these ominous days, I find immense joy in slight pleasures. The exquisite curve of a hand-rolled lapel. The rich antiquing on a pair of old brogues. The self-annhilating blast of California sun in my face. The endlessly thumping, churning surf, which is almost provocative in its insistence. And the spicy flavours of tea, wine, and tobacco. It is the tang of tea and tobacco to which I am often drawn in the evening. Settling down with a pot of Earl Grey or a glass of chardonnay, or occasionally an Avo robusto, sporting an OCBD, a pair of khakis, and velvet slippers, I muse on the day's proceedings and indulge in cheerfully inane conversation. It may be perceived as a mundane way of being, and perhaps to some—those who rely on unending distraction—it is. But I think it is important to infuse every minute of the day with ritual and order, meaning and significance. It is necessary, I think, to face life in a direct manner, to accept fate on its own terms—and to sip tea while doing so. A life of sublime implication; this is the objective.

12 comments:

  1. Add a roaring fire, and it's almost heaven. With order and ritual comes calmness, and the opportunity to reflect.
    I am really enjoying some Chamomile tea lately. It reminds me that spring is coming...and give me a pair of LL Bean sheepskin moccasins.

    -Brett
    www.sportinglifemag.com

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  2. Well said, Trad, well said.

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  3. Every gentleman should have his worn leather chair, tea, cigars, etc. It helps to take a moment each day to reflect, relax, or possibly socialize with others doing the same. I truly enjoy your blog, and I find it comforting to know other gents out there share my outlook on life!

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  4. I enjoyed reading this post very much (+ learned a few new words!). The last lines are especially interesting. It is always nice to know what people do to enjoy their life.

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  5. LBT, fine insight and nicely put:
    "But I think it is important to infuse every minute of the day with ritual and order, meaning and significance. It is necessary, I think, to face life in a direct manner, to accept fate on its own terms—and to sip tea while doing so. A life of sublime implication; this is the objective."

    Wish I'd said it (even half as well) myself.

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  6. Try a little adventure and forgo the Earl Grey for something that'll really compliment that Avo...Lapsang Souchong. Smokey and full. A great tea for those who prefer coffee.

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  7. LBT - wonderful blog. I came across it through your post on Schuman's post yesterday.

    Tell me - what does OCBD stand for besides "Obsessive Compulsive Behavoiral Disorder?"

    Dickie

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  8. Daryl ~ Thanks for the nice words. I don't post as often as I would like, due to work and other commitments.

    OCBD = Oxford Cloth Button-Down (shirt)

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  9. It took me a couple of jaw-dropped moments to get it but this blog is priceless!

    Thanks for the "titter".

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  10. Hear, hear! I couldn't agree more. Allow me to add one of my favorite quotes: "A firm defense of quiet material pleasure is the only way to oppose the universal folly of fast life." From the people at Slow Food.

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  11. I hear the violins sound exquisite when Rome burns. But then, there is no more Rome, and no more violins.

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  12. A fine tea, a fine blog, and I appreciate order and timing but just can't seem to reach it. I think though that we're of two like minds. Check out the blog "Homer's Odd Isn't He." Sorry you don't link but understand the reason. Cheers, Homer.

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