Revisiting: Lapsang

Ever since I was introduced to Lapsang Souchong, I've been intrigued by its unique smoky quality. Many people are put off by this rather pungent and odoriferous tea....I, however, am strangely attracted to it.

It reminds me of camp fires. And seeing as I grew up going camping every summer, that brews up a tremendous sense memory.

I tried blending it once, to no notable outcome. Then for awhile, I was under the impression that I no longer liked it. Suddenly, it's what I'm drinking every morning (all Gongfu-stylee). Maybe because all I really want to do is be outside, romping in the woods. I would love the chance to drink a pot of Lapsang WHILE actually sitting in the forest.

Yeah, I'm subtle like that...

Where I'm Going

39 days and counting...

Only all too soon (and not soon enough) I will be living in Ithaca, NY. Land of gorges, lakes, wineries, camping, and Cornell University. Ithaca has been known for being a very "green" city waaaaay before Green was the new black. Vegetarians, buddists, holistics, liberal activists...they're all here, spreading the gospel of alternative living and promoting peaceful environmentalism in every sense of the word.

While I didn't grow up too far away from Ithaca physically (only 45 minutes), my hometown of Elmira couldn't be further away in every other way. Ithaca was the mecca of the enlightened. As high school seniors enjoying the newfound privledge of driver's licenses, we would head to Ithaca in the summer and hang out around the Commons. It was there I first encountered Ben&Jerry's ice cream, vegan-ism, nag champa and Birkenstocks.

I was too young (and politically ignorant) to really understand what it all meant or how it would influence me, but I was drawn to the mystique of this place that seemed to value spiritual enlightenment, academia, and natural living.

Now, 15 years later, this will be where I will be living. Learning.
Rediscovering those concepts that lit up like fireflies inside me....

Let the Drink-Down Begin!

Ok, so I had, on April 28th, made reference to "2-months to go"...and how that has upset the otherwise steady growth of my personalized tea blending service (and a slew of other usual weekly activities)...but had not yet mentioned why I was on my way to Ithaca, NY.

Well dear reader, I'm glad you asked...the truth is that I'm leaving New York City and heading upstate to Ithaca, NY to study massage therapy at the Finger Lakes School of Massage.

When I tell people this, I invariably get the response:
"Ooh! Tea and Massage! You could put them together!"

I'm sure that the sudden squeal of excitement that usually accompanies the aforementioned response is generated out of sheer excitement for those who know me and not intended as a sort of unique idea that they are sure I haven't thought of. As yes, that is fully my intention, to combine the two passions into my daily existence.

Seeing as I don't go a day without drinking tea or an herbal infusion (the oft neglected but equally worthy half-cousin of tea).....the idea of melding the 2 interests has certainly taken a number of celebrated turns down the mental catwalk of my brain.

For 7 (or so) months, I will have to pack up the Mad Lab (aka: the Madam's Magical Kitchen) and will be subletting a room in someone else's house. My host/housemate is a very cool lady....here's hoping she really likes tea!

I will have a few select teas with me, but that's it. This is why I'm in the middle of a Drink Down. That is also, of course, why I posted another Tea Swap - add a little something new into your cup.

I'm sure I'll keep you posted as the insanity of leaving the only place I really call home to go be a full-time student once again sings its siren sound...

Til then/til later...

Keep it Mad!

This is my sign....

If I were to join a protest (and there's plenty to protest these days), my sign would read: