Sitting on the veranda in my favourite chair, I gaze, watching the flames flicker in the fire pit, the strong acrid smoke fills my nostrils as I feel the warm air surround me keeping off the chill as I stare into the darkness at the majestic cathedral mountains directly in front of me, I ponder.
I look up into the dark sky watching the stars dancing as I try to identify the different planets and make a wish to the universe as the cool crisp night air nips at my face.
In the distance I hear the hoot of the Southern Boobook owl as the trees swayed slightly with their leaves rustling softly in the night air.
My favourite cup held tightly in my hands keeping them warm from the hot black tea I had just made. I take a hesitant sip from my cup, trying not to burn my lips, mouth or tongue, tasting the strong earl grey tea. I was in my happy place, feeling relaxed and at peace as the memories came flooding back.
I stared at my beautiful ornate China tea cup that was given to me by my mother on my 21st birthday. The cup was now well worn and had the familiar brown stains from the copious amount of black tea that had sat in its bowl over the years. The handle was starting to show its age by the roughness and the odd chip or two. The different patterns and colours on the cup now fading. My cup and I were aging, and felt as though we were mirroring each other, going through the motions of life and the years catching up on us both.
I remember the first series of tea cups and saucers that I collected over many years and were now sitting proudly, laden with dust in my crystal cabinet. I was gifted many different cups and saucers for Christmas, anniversaries and birthdays over the years and since my mother’s passing, I inherited her collection of fine bone China cups and saucers that I cherish. It became a tradition in our family for each of the women to receive a cup and saucer for each special occasion.
I put the song Lovin cup from an American blues band on my old record player and I dance to the music that reminds me of the early Beatles songs. And as I prance around the fire pit embracing the vibe taking me back to the 60’s and a time of freedom, happiness, childhood and love, my cup overflows with memories.
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