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# Joyful Alchemy

stitching together the magic of each season

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://joyfulalchemy.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Blog](https://joyfulalchemy.com/blog/)
- [A big adventure ahead](https://joyfulalchemy.com/a-big-adventure-ahead/) - Life has been very topsy-turvy these past few months, so topsy-turvy I have found it very difficult to write....anything. While life has not calmed down, I think the road ahead is clear enough now to begin again to write and share the adventure with you. Chris and I did indeed end up purchasing the lovely property
- [Finally underway! (sort of...)](https://joyfulalchemy.com/finally-underway-sort-of/) - So much to catch you up on! Our home did sell and quickly. We received a great deal of interest and a very good offer within one week of listing! Negotiations were fairly quick and easy, inspections were done, and the sale was finalized in less than a month. Gratefully, the lovely new owners were
- [It's snowing!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/its-snowing/) - It's snowing on Whidbey Island! At first, they were forecasting just an inch or two, but now we may get 4 to 8 inches! There is perhaps 1 1/2 inches so far, and the neighborhood kids are already out. Doesn't take much snow to excite kids here on the island, we've not had a decent
- [Spring Break](https://joyfulalchemy.com/spring-break/) - I decided to take a couple days off this week to enjoy time with my son during his spring break and to hopefully get a few things done in my garden. We're several weeks into spring, but until just moments ago, I had yet to plant a seed. I always have this vague sense of
- [A fresh face greets spring!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/fresh-face-greets-spring/) - The sprucing up of our building is all complete and we are so delighted with the results! With fresh cedar shingles and sparkling white trim, it just looks beautiful and very beach cottagy! A perfect look for Whidbey Island, don't you think? Last weekend we were treated to lovely, spring-like weather and I took the
- [Thank you, Carol Pucci and Seattle Times!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/thank-you-carol-pucci-and-seattle-times/) - I was so tickled to have my tiny shop mentioned in the NW Weekend insert in the Jan. 22 Seattle Times newspaper. You can read a little about Freeland, its history and offerings, here. Island Tea Company is under the 3:00 pm time slot. As a result of that little mention, we had 5 or
- [A Snowy holiday](https://joyfulalchemy.com/lovely-holiday_2432/) - During November and December there is little downtime to be had for creative pursuits until my little shop is buttoned up for its annual winter's nap. I must say I had a lovely holiday break. For much of December we had snow on the ground including Christmas day itself. We must have received 14 to
- [Zippy Gingersnaps!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/yummy-gingersnaps/) - My goodness! December 12th already! Whoosh! In my shop, we have a little teacart that always has a sample pot of tea (or two) on it and at this time of year we often have a plate of cookies waiting there, too. This holiday season my favorite cookie has been homemade gingersnaps, and they've been
- [Happy Thanksgiving!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/happy-thanksgiving/) - Wherever you may be, I wish you a peaceful and joyful day. Blessings to all those who contribute to and help prepare your feast, and blessings to those who can not be with their loved ones today!
- [It has begun!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/it-has-begun/) - The first weekend in November we always close, paper over the windows, and redecorate the shop for the holiday season. Behind the cloak of butcher paper there ensues a frenzy of activity. Boxes full of new merchandise come out of hiding, lively holiday music is played to spur us on, and a tremendous mess at
- [A lovely autumn](https://joyfulalchemy.com/lovely-autumn_5851/) - Here on Whidbey Island we are better known for our stately evergreen firs and cedars rather than for deciduous trees, but as the population has grown, plantings of maples and other pretty leafy trees have increased. Frequently these trees quietly slip into winter, their leaves turning to muted browns which hang but briefly, and then
- [Fragrant distraction](https://joyfulalchemy.com/fragrant-distraction/) - Boxes full of fragrant distraction were delivered to the shop this past week and we have been busy! Pounds and pounds of our favorite autumn and holiday teas and spices are here! The display jars have been filled and we are pre-packing hundreds of colorful little foil bags in preparation for our holiday kick-off next
- [Putting up](https://joyfulalchemy.com/putting-up_9556/) - Isn't that pretty? I have seven jars of beautiful cranberry-raspberry-applesauce cooling on my counter. I keep going into the kitchen to admire those jars! It is so satisfying to do a bit of canning. Simple honest ingredients like cranberries, frozen raspberries and apples from our own garden, organic sugar and fresh water, and a little
- [September](https://joyfulalchemy.com/september_3162/) - I just waved to William, who has left to catch the first bus of the year. He's wearing his new shoes, new jeans and a rather elegant looking silver gray t-shirt. My sweet, handsome boy still turns at the bottom of the hill, just before he rounds the bend out of sight, to wave to
- [A new little "shopgirl!"](https://joyfulalchemy.com/new-little-shopgirl/) - I'd like to introduce you to our newest shopgirl, Miss Millie. Millie came visiting a week ago with two of her sisters and decided she'd like to stay with me. Oh my! She is such a little love and her fan club is growing rapidly! Millie is a nearly 12-week old, Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Many
- [Happy 10th Anniversary to Us!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/happy-10th-anniversary-to-us/) - All next week, September 16 through the 20th, we are going to be celebrating Island Tea Company's 10th Anniversary! We have planned and prepped, shopped and baked, wrapped and beribboned "Thank you for your support!" gifts, and I think we are ready to just have some fun! Our local customers will be treated to complementary
- [Aloha, Kauai nani! Mahalo no kou ho`okipa!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/aloha-kauai-nani-mahalo-no-kou-hookipa/) - Farewell, beautiful Kauai! Thank you for your hospitality! We had a lovely, lovely time, but it went so quickly! And while it is good to be home, and lovely to be back in the shop, a piece of my heart lives in Hawaii on the beautiful island of Kauai. I shall let the photos pretty
- [Summer? Time for Iced Tea?](https://joyfulalchemy.com/summer-iced-tea/) - We turned the calendar page over into summer and by golly, summer like weather is actually here! We are nearly up to normal temperatures, and wouldn't you know it, I'm leaving for vacation in Hawaii! That's okay, I trust there will be two to three months of lovely weather to enjoy when I return......I hope!
- [2009 Growing Season - Week 1 (Day 1)](https://joyfulalchemy.com/2009-growing-season-week-1-day-1_1074/) - After slogging through a very long, cold winter, which included snow just a few days ago, we have been gifted with several days of beautiful weather! Hurrah! Gardening can begin in earnest!Last year, I worked my little garden much more intensively than I had in years and in spite of the late start to the
- [2009 Growing Season - Week 2](https://joyfulalchemy.com/2009-growing-season-week-2_8452/) - On Easter morning, one week past first planting, I took a peek to see what might be up and was delighted to see many tiny seedlings in the mesclun rows. Looks to be the mustard that popped up first. Just a couple weeks away from harvesting the first tender leaves. Too bad I didn't get
- [A bit of history and a face lift](https://joyfulalchemy.com/bit-of-history-and-face-lift/) - Two and a half weeks ago the face lift of our building began. Old cedar shakes were removed, but before fresh paper and shingles was applied a bit of history was revealed.It might not look pretty, but the original painted signage for the coffee shop that once existed in my building revived pleasant memories for
- [Happy Spring!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/happy-spring/) - Even on the grayest of days, there are two pots full of sunshine right outside my door! There are yellow pansies in the pots, too, but they need to grow up a bit. If you come this way, you'll be able to spot the shop pretty easily. Just look for the red door and my
- [In search of spring....](https://joyfulalchemy.com/in-search-of-spring/) - Life has finally calmed down a bit. The parties responsible for the local burglaries are now behind bars and we are finally catching up in many ways. There are a number of new teas recently in to tell you about, but we'll start that tomorrow, I think. First I want to share a few photos
- [A few more photos....](https://joyfulalchemy.com/few-more-photos/) - Customer have been bringing their children and grandchildren to view our front window. Many of us who grew up in the Seattle area remember with fondness the wonderful holiday windows that the big downtown department stores used to do. Bundling up in coats, hats and gloves and venturing downtown on a chilly evening was a
- [A fragrant time of year......](https://joyfulalchemy.com/fragrant-time-of-year/) - I LOVE this time of year in the shop! Shipments of holiday merchandise arrive almost daily, including our favorite fall and winter teas, and mulling spices! The shop just smells delicious! Customers come in the door and just stop dead in their tracks, exclaiming "Oh, Wow! What smells so good in here?" Well....it's the Cranberry
- [Would you like to play, too?](https://joyfulalchemy.com/would-you-like-to-play-too/) - I received an email from one of my customers now living off island, asking if she could come to the MadHatters' Tea in a cyber fashion? Well, "Of course!", I replied! So, she is emailing me a photo of herself in her tea party ensemble. I can't wait to see! If you'd like to join
- [Happy September!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/happy-september/) - September already? The summer has passed in a flash, leaving me feeling a bit wistful. I spent not a single lazy afternoon at the beach! Fortunately, there should still be many warm, sunny days ahead and our beaches are just lovely, and quiet, at this time of year. Autumn is usually beautiful in the Northwest,
- [Happy Anniversary to Us!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/happy-anniversary-to-us/) - Next week we have a whole week of fun planned as we celebrate Island Tea Company's 9th Anniversary. Actually, this starts a whole year of celebrating our 10th year in business. Why wait until next summer!?! In my island community making it to your 10th year is big news! :) Starting Monday we'll expand our
- [Happy Mother's Day!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/happy-mothers-day/) - I have had the most lovely Mother's Day. I enjoyed a delicious brunch with my family and my parents, and puttered happily in my sunny garden for several hours. My usually messy little cottage garden looks quite tidy now. The delicious fragrance of white lilac and pink Exebury azaleas made the sometimes tedious task of
- [Shopkeeping: Holiday 2021](https://joyfulalchemy.com/shopkeeping-holiday-2021/) - Warm greetings to you. Here we are, Thanksgiving is next week. I started readying my shop earlier than usual this autumn, blending the seasonal teas, making soaps, pouring balms, and even making beeswax candles. There have been many sweet hours of creativity. It is such a lovely thing to have a small business in which
- [A New Year's Note](https://joyfulalchemy.com/shopkeeping-important-note/) - Dear friends and customers, belated New Year's greetings to you. This is just a short note to inform you of the poignant time my family is living through and how my small business will be affected in the near term. In early November, my father fell sending him into a rapid health decline and my
- [Spring 2022](https://joyfulalchemy.com/spring-2022/) - Spring greetings! I'm happy to say I have reopened my shop and you will find the Spring Collection of teas ready for you. Several of the teas will only be available for a short time or until sold through. One, Organic Cherry Rose Sencha, I am so pleased to have in stock again. When I
- [Autumn 2022](https://joyfulalchemy.com/autumn-2022/) - And so it is Autumn, and while it brings a bit of melancholy to see the summer blooms begin to fade, I welcome the change in seasons. I am ready for rains to spell what feels like endless watering of gardens, am looking forward to candlelit evenings, and the cozy soups and warming teas of
- [October's Garden](https://joyfulalchemy.com/octobers-garden/) - I am so glad I live where there are seasons, and in particular autumns. The seasons may not be as distinct as they were in my childhood, but four seasons we still have. Once I accept the growing season is truly over, then I am ready to embrace autumn. The beauty in my October garden
- [Our Gift to You!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/our-gift-to-you/) - We have much to be thankful for here at Island Tea Company. In spite of a challenging economy we have had a good year and we are grateful for the continued support and encouragement of our customers. To thank you for your patronage we would like to tuck a complimentary sampler of tea into your
- [Happy New Year!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/happy-new-year/) - A new year full of promise; each day a fresh page waiting to be embellished. What a lovely thing. We had a wonderful holiday season at Island Tea Company. We broke a few records both in the shop and online and when I turned the lights off and buttoned up the shop for winter break
- [Changes ahead...](https://joyfulalchemy.com/changes-ahead/) - When I opened Island Tea Company in 1998, my youngest son, William, was preparing to start kindergarten. That little boy is 17 and 6' 5" tall. (He's the tall one in the photo above.) Both of my boys have grown up with my business and I'm delighted to say both Jamie (23) and Will know
- [The days are flying by!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/days-are-flying-by/) - The last few weeks are very nearly a total blur! When I am not at the Main Street shop, many hours have been spent readying my home office and workshop for Island Tea's pending move. Reclaiming space has been an interesting project, to say the least! Much decluttering and "excavation" work was required. I'm happy to say local charities
- [Updates and FAQ's....](https://joyfulalchemy.com/updates-and-faqs/) - It is very hard to believe that I am just a little over a week away from closing my sweet little Main Street shop. The days are just flying by! Last week we celebrated Customer Appreciation Week, treating customers who happened in to tea, baby scones and gingersnaps. It was a lovely week, enjoyed by
- [Peaceful Mind Rooibos](https://joyfulalchemy.com/peaceful-mind-rooibos/) - We just received in a new rooibos blend. I took a bit home and tried it out on my family last night and it was a hit. Peaceful Mind Rooibos is an intriguing blend of rooibos, coconut bits and French lavender buds. The coconut adds a gentle sweetness and a nice body to the infusion.
- [Onward and upward!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/onward-and-upward/) - Today at 4:30 pm, our little shop on Main Street in Freeland, Washington, ended its last full and very busy day of business. After closing and balancing the til for the last time, we filled glasses with champagne and toasted the past, the present and the future. After today, dear customers, you will need to
- [Whew!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/whew-2/) - One more partial truckload and a Suburu car full and I believe I'll have the shop emptied! Whew! As my friend Connie said "Oh my...who knew there would be so much to do in closing that sweet little shop?" I had no idea. ;-) I'm very, very glad I gave myself two weeks to pack
- [Up and running!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/up-and-running/) - Goodness! What a fast, furious week! Many boxes have been unpacked, teas and merchandise have been organized and reorganized and organized yet again..... :-) Packing supplies have been found and numerous orders have been shipped. I wouldn't say we're running smoothly yet, but we are getting there. This next week, while I'm away for
- [Holiday Open House](https://joyfulalchemy.com/holiday-open-house/) - This year for the first time, we will hold two holiday open houses! Our regular Holiday Open House, for local customers, will be held at The Paint Escape in Freeland on Whidbey Island. A second online open house will be held November 10 - 14 for our customers unable to attend the physical open house.
- [A little delay.....](https://joyfulalchemy.com/little-delay/) - Due to the success of Monday's open house, the disarray in my workroom, and my fatigue, I am going to delay our online open house and holiday kick-off by a week. This will give me time to catch up on paperwork, perhaps even give time for a couple of lagging vendor orders to appear,
- [Iced Tea Tips](https://joyfulalchemy.com/iced-tea-tips-sale/) - Those of us in the Pacific Northwest have been wondering if we were ever going to get anything resembling summer, but finally warmer temperatures have arrived and it is iced tea season! In my home when the forecast is for anything over 65 degrees, you can bet I'll be steeping tea for pouring over ice.
- [Online Holiday Open House!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/online-holiday-open-house/) - Island Tea Company's first annual online Holiday Open House is underway! Scattered throughout our shop you will find many items on sale 20% off. Most sales prices are only good through 6 pm on Saturday, November 20, and many items are limited in quantity. To thank you for your business, every purchase will have a
- [Happy Valentine's Day to You!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/happy-valentines-day-to-you/) - Happy Valentine's Day to you, dear people! If my little shop was still open I would probably have two sample pots of tea ready for you. I think I would most likely fix Lover's Leap Estate Ceylon, and perhaps Kyoto Cherry Rose Festival. The first a lovely, smooth black tea, and the second a fragrant
- [Vacation Time](https://joyfulalchemy.com/vacation-time/) - Island Tea Company will be closed for vacation and mid-year inventory, August 3 through August 14. Orders received August 2 through August 15 will be shipped on August 16. Wanted: Summer! While many of you back east have been sweltering in heat and humidity, those of us in the far northwest corner of the
- [Holiday Boutique](https://joyfulalchemy.com/holiday-boutique/) - Warm holiday greetings to you! It never fails, sometime in October I begin to feel there is something I should be doing. Finally, it dawns on me.... I should be preparing my little Freeland teashop for the holidays. Of course, I no longer have that sweet little shop, and my online business has been shuttered
- [The eye of the storm](https://joyfulalchemy.com/the-eye-of-the-storm/) - Over the years, I have with only a few exceptions kept politics out of my writing and out of my business. Honestly, I really don’t think I can be quiet or so subtle going forward. There is too much at stake. I am still feeling rattled by our presidential election and the state of our
- [Tender times](https://joyfulalchemy.com/tender-times/) - After closing my webshop in March, I had thought I might have time to write here occasionally, but it simply wasn’t meant to be. My mother’s needs have required much time and emotional energy, and there were a few other family challenges, as well. When I wasn’t “peopling”, I was in my garden, walking in
- [Favorite Oatmeal Cookies](https://joyfulalchemy.com/favorite-oatmeal-cookies/) - If you are a baker, you probably have a number of tried and true recipes you turn to frequently. This oatmeal cookie recipe has been a family favorite for years. The basic recipe without any additions is perfectly delicious, but you can add all sorts of different ingredients to suit your taste or the season.
- [A chapter is closing](https://joyfulalchemy.com/a-chapter-is-closing/) - As some of you know, and others have surmised, the time to close my online teashop has come. Family needs are bringing this lovely chapter of my life to a close. Next week my family will move my mother to memory care, and we know Mom will need all the care and attention we can
- [Open Studio for December 4 is cancelled](https://joyfulalchemy.com/open-studio-for-december-4-is-cancelled/) - I am so sorry, but I must cancel today's open studio. I spent most of the day in the emergency room on Saturday and while on the mend and feeling better, I am just not well enough to be open today. I fully expect to be back up to speed for the December 11 and
- [Shopkeeping: Holiday 2023](https://joyfulalchemy.com/shopkeeping-holiday-2023/) - Holiday greetings to you! How can Thanksgiving be next week? My goodness, the days are flying and there is much on my to-do list. I took a break from planning this morning to take corgi Gryphon for a walk where I discovered with delight our unruly English Hollies are graced with many more berries than
- [Shopkeeping: Holiday 2022](https://joyfulalchemy.com/shopkeeping-holiday-2022/) - I had hoped to have this posted last weekend, but the destructive windstorm which swept down the island late on Friday the 4th , left much of Whidbey in the dark for days. Like so many, keeping warm and well-fed became the priority. We came through with no major damage and lost no trees, but
- [Summer days and looking ahead](https://joyfulalchemy.com/summer-days-and-looking-ahead/) - Summer greetings to you! I know many are dealing with extreme weather and smoky skies, and my heart goes out to you. Our spring and summer days, thus far, have been dry, but mild in the main with only a few uncomfortably warm days tossed in. That may change at any time, but right now
- [Autumn greetings and important announcement](https://joyfulalchemy.com/autumn-greetings-and-important-announcement/) - Beautiful Autumn, what John Keats called "the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness," has arrived right on schedule along with our harvest tea collection.
- [A place to make, to dream, to breathe](https://joyfulalchemy.com/a-place-to-make-to-dream-to-breathe/) - Last winter, this little studio came to be. The idea for this sweet building was born on a gloomy January day amid the COVID crisis. We had made it through one year of lockdown and another was looming. Without warning I had an utter meltdown one morning. Loneliness, worry, frustration with a too small and
- [Making Christmas](https://joyfulalchemy.com/making-christmas/) - In September of this year, my mother moved into a senior community. It was a challenging and necessary move. What was particularly difficult and stressful for Mom was the extensive paring down of belongings and loved collections that simply had to be done. Moving from a sizeable condo to a diminutive one bedroom apartment, made
- [Northwest Mist...](https://joyfulalchemy.com/northwest-mist/) - It's one of those lovely misty northwest mornings. A gentle, but drenching mist is falling from clouds that hover just over the tops of the trees. Some people find such weather dismal and dreary, but I find it somewhat comforting and nourishing. All of nature seems to quiet and breathe deeply. After dropping my son
- [November comes....](https://joyfulalchemy.com/november-comes/) - November comesAnd November goes,With the last red berriesAnd the first white snows.With night coming early,And dawn coming late,And ice in the bucketAnd frost by the gate.The fires burnAnd the kettles sing,And earth sinks to restUntil next spring~Clyde Watson The days of October slipped by as they so often do with many days of warm sunshine
- [Sample Post with no sidebar](https://joyfulalchemy.com/sample-post-with-no-sidebar/) - Chocolate sesame snaps macaroon sugar plum croissant. Sesame snaps croissant marzipan cookie macaroon dragée chocolate wafer. Powder sweet roll jelly-o icing sesame snaps bonbon powder. Lemon drops pudding wafer fruitcake croissant cupcake cotton candy. Jujubes dessert wafer gummi bears oat cake. Marzipan cake croissant marshmallow shortbread. Gingerbread cotton candy soufflé bonbon cookie bonbon bear claw
- [Sample Post with left sidebar](https://joyfulalchemy.com/sample-post-with-left-sidebar/) - Chocolate sesame snaps macaroon sugar plum croissant. Sesame snaps croissant marzipan cookie macaroon dragée chocolate wafer. Powder sweet roll jelly-o icing sesame snaps bonbon powder. Lemon drops pudding wafer fruitcake croissant cupcake cotton candy. Jujubes dessert wafer gummi bears oat cake. Marzipan cake croissant marshmallow shortbread. Gingerbread cotton candy soufflé bonbon cookie bonbon bear claw
- [Mulled Cider](https://joyfulalchemy.com/yummy-mulled-cider/) - Today is most definitely a day for mulled cider here on Whidbey Island! We have 8 inches of snow on the ground and it is now snowing again! I'll be preparing a large kettle of spiced cider this afternoon with our wonderful mulling spices. Mulled Cider: Gently simmer 1 quart apple cider, or cran/apple juice,
- [Shopkeeping: A Late Summer Break](https://joyfulalchemy.com/shopkeeping-a-late-summer-break/) - What a beautiful day it is here on Whidbey, with summer warmth in the sunshine, and hints of autumn in the shade and the breeze. My gardens are still bursting with flowers, vegetables and herbs; but I have picked the first orange sugar pumpkins, field grasses are golden, and finches and pine siskins are delighted
- [Devotion](https://joyfulalchemy.com/devotion/) - We received a little drizzle last evening, and a touch of mist this morning. It was lovely to feel the cool dampness on my face when I walked the pups out to retrieve yesterday's mail. We received just enough moisture to plump the moss on trees a tad, and to dampen the dusty lane. A
- [Shopkeeping: Summer 2021](https://joyfulalchemy.com/shopkeeping-summer-2021/) - Do you feel life is returning to some semblance of normalcy, or at the least perhaps to some tolerable new normal? I do, but am still stepping out rather infrequently, preferring to remain in the peace of home, studio, and garden. I must say, my garden is a rather lovely place to be on a
- [Just like that....](https://joyfulalchemy.com/just-like-that/) - It is June, and we are but a few weeks away from Summer Solstice. I'm not quite sure how that can be, but it is. Such a lush, green, floral bedecked time of year. Just a week or two ago the shrubs and perennials were tightly budded against the cool and damp; but this past
- [Come gently, 2021...](https://joyfulalchemy.com/come-gently-2021/) - May the strength of the wind and the light of the sun, the softness of the rain and the mystery of the moon reach you and fill you. May beauty delight you and happiness uplift you. May wonder fulfil you and love surround you. May your step be steady and your arm be strong. May
- [Gratitude](https://joyfulalchemy.com/gratitude/) - "Wear gratitude like a cloak, and it will feed every corner of your life." - Rumi May your plate be filled with favorite foods, but even more than that, may you be warm and safe, and loved and appreciated. Happy Thanksgiving to you!
- [Shopkeeping: Holiday 2020](https://joyfulalchemy.com/shopkeeping-holiday-2020/) - Here we are on the cusp of the holiday season, and a different season it will be. In my own family, gatherings will be small this year, and gift-giving will focus on simple comforts to add warmth and cheer to the winter months ahead. It seems many of you are thinking similarly and are shopping
- [Shopkeeping: Autumn 2020](https://joyfulalchemy.com/shopkeeping-autumn-2020/) - It was a very stormy day here. The winds coaxed, not too gently, the colorful leaves from our garden trees. On a tumultuous day, in a wild year, I find the normalcy of seasonal weather to be a comfort; it’s an invitation I scarcely need, to brew a favorite cup of tea and take a
- [Centering.....](https://joyfulalchemy.com/centering/) - What day of shelter-at-home is this? I have totally lost count….. Gov. Inslee gave his executive order for Washington residents to “Stay Home – Stay Healthy” on March 23, but this household began our social distancing on March 3. So, it is day 52 for us. What an odyssey this coronavirus pandemic has been. Being
- [Here we are....](https://joyfulalchemy.com/here-we-are/) - I am now a sewer of fabric surgical style masks. I have sewn many things over the years, but never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be sewing masks to help protect my friends and family from a deadly virus. But, here we are. On February 21, Washington State had the dubious
- [Autumn comes](https://joyfulalchemy.com/autumn-comes/) - This past week Summer maintained a fragile hold, but earlier today thunder rumbled overhead and Thor ushered in Autumn. Fog swirled around the tops of the fir trees, a gentle rain fell, and a breeze rustled the maples scattering leaves upon the deck just swept yesterday. For the first time in weeks, I donned
- [Tiptoeing back in....](https://joyfulalchemy.com/tiptoeing-back-in/) - Here I am, quietly dipping a toe back into blogging. Life, as it tends to do, threw a few curves our way over the past several years, and I simply lost my 'voice' for a while. I found I needed to just sink into the quiet and tend my people, garden, and critters, but the
- [The Shortest Day....](https://joyfulalchemy.com/the-shortest-day/) - And so the Shortest Day came and the year died And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world Came people singing, dancing, To drive the dark away. They lighted candles in the winter trees; They hung their homes with evergreen; They burned beseeching fires all night long To keep the year alive. And when
- [Home, sweet home!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/home-sweet-home/) - My last post was on the shortest day and this one is not far past the longest. Much has happened in the past 6 plus months, and we do indeed have a new home and are happily settling in. I had had every intention of blogging about our building experience, but to tell you the
- [Sweet Baby!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/sweet-baby/) - I really should be sharing photos from our trip to Europe with you or a post about teas at Green Willow Living, but today I just had to share these heart tugging photos. Yesterday, as my son, his girlfriend and I went through boxes of his possessions in prep for a move to an apartment,
- [A sweet and unexpected gift](https://joyfulalchemy.com/a-sweet-and-unexpected-gift/) - Late last week, when Millie and I walked out to let Chris know dinner was nearly ready, I happened to notice blossoms twinkling at the edge of the woods. Curious, I walked closer....... Could it be? Oh....it is! It is a small apple tree, likely planted by a bird, covered in pink buds and blossoms
- [Early morning walks](https://joyfulalchemy.com/early-morning-walks/) - Millie and I head out for our morning walk very early on these days that promise to be so warm. As I crunch down the gravel lane, happy corgi at my side; our shadows stretch long in front of us. A neighbor's new puppy softly howls a sad greeting, morning doves coo and startle at
- [8:00pm](https://joyfulalchemy.com/800pm/) - It is a beautiful evening here on Whidbey Island. 8:00pm, not yet dark, still 70 degrees outside. On an island in the middle of Puget Sound such evenings are not that common and to have a few in the middle of September is quite a treat. Millie and I sat on the front
- [The forest and me](https://joyfulalchemy.com/the-forest-and-me/) - While I grew up in Seattle, my most important growth was in the woods. The most valuable lessons of my life were learned among the trees surrounding my grandparents’ lake cabin in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. The tendrils of my heart are as intertwined with the forest, as the trees, ferns, moss and
- [Who-who-who-who](https://joyfulalchemy.com/who-who-who-who/) - This pretty new property of ours continues to reveal surprises and secrets. Over Mothers Day weekend, while considering removing a tree fractured in last November's big storm, my husband thankfully noticed the tall snag had inhabitants. Nested into a rotten cavity in the tree were two fluffy owlets peering down at him with huge solemn
- [Mid-August......](https://joyfulalchemy.com/mid-august/) - I never did continue on with our vacation adventures, did I? Nope, but I'll get back to it at some point. Somewhere in late June or early July, we made the decision to begin the search for a piece of property on which to build our next home. In July we found a piece we
- [Wednesday](https://joyfulalchemy.com/wednesdays/) - Wednesdays have become my favorite days. They are days I try to give to myself. I try not to be a tea lady on Wednesdays, and try very hard to stay home, not do errands, just do pleasant things. In short, I putter. : ) It is not even noon, and it has been a
- [A tiny wildling](https://joyfulalchemy.com/tiny-wildling/) - On the afternoon of Sunday, May 21, my tenderhearted William spotted three wee little abandoned mouse babies. Concerned, he came pounding up the stairs to my workroom. I sent him back to the woods to watch from a distance to see if their mama would show up. Perhaps she had been moving her babies
- [Good luck, little mouse!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/good-luck-little-mouse-2/) - We had planned on releasing little Miny Mo today. In preparation for the big event I'd prepped a little release shelter for him which we had placed in his file box. My thought was he would have the little shelter to hide in until he found suitable accommodations in the great outdoors. In the file
- [Thanksgiving Preparations](https://joyfulalchemy.com/happy-thanksgiving_7285/) - This is what happens when you are not paying attention here at Millie's house! You get decorated! Such a good sport! I didn't leave it on Millie for very long, just long enough to snap a photo, but that look in her eyes says it all..... Are you DONE yet???? :-) The garland has been
- [Oh, Chase!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/oh-chase_2346/) - Many of you have met one-year old Miss Millie, my diminutive Cardigan Welsh Corgi, but we actually have two corgis. Chase (aka "Nit" or "Chasie-boy") is our nearly 12-year old Pembroke Corgi. Chase is a "fluffy," meaning that he has long hair. Once upon a time, a long time ago, supposedly there were some Collie
- [Millie's Birthday Party](https://joyfulalchemy.com/millies-birthday-party/) - Tuesday we celebrated Millie's first birthday. Many of her favorite peeps stopped by including Grandma, Auntie Connie, Ruth and Shirley. Our FedEx driver even popped in with a little cookie for our shopgirl. For her guests we served tea and "pupcakes!" Inspired by my dear friend, Lesley, I simply decorated the little cakes with a
- [Busy, busy, busy!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/it-has-been-wild-wild-time-right-after/) - It has been a wild, wild time! Right after a brief post holiday respite, we did a rush inventory count, and slammed into the big move project! First we had to pack up and make room for The Paint Escape fixtures and inventory which then allowed me and my wonderful staff and volunteers to ready
- [Sweet Basket](https://joyfulalchemy.com/sweet-basket/) - I've had several inquiries about the little basket sitting on the tea table photo in the previous post. Here's a close-up for you.I filled the basket with moss, added a small white azalea, tucked the little birds in and there you have it. It does look sweet, doesn't it? The basket is now in the
- [We're getting there!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/were-getting-there/) - There is still much fluffing to be done, but we are getting there. There are still pictures and wall racks to be hung, and linens and vintage goods to be put out, and we need to locate all the studs in the walls above the tea jars so we can hang our blackboards back up.
- [I love this shop.....](https://joyfulalchemy.com/i-love-this-shop/) - Last Saturday we had a busy, crazy, wonderful time! All the elves hustled and bustled! First a huge mess was made as we hauled out boxes and unpacked. And then...little by little throughout the day...it all came together into something beautiful. Here's Andrea putting some finishing touches on the front table. Behind her you can
- [Hibiscus & Lavender, a lovely blend!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/hibiscus-lavender-lovely-blend/) - Hibiscus and lavender are each lovely infusions on their own, but together they are wonderful. This combination makes a delicious hot tea, but over ice with a sprig of mint it is stunning and so refreshing. For a six cup teapot, add 6 heaping teaspoons of hibiscus petals and 2 rounded teaspoons of lavender buds.
- [Yummy Lemon Curd](https://joyfulalchemy.com/yummy-lemon-curd/) - When life hands me lemons, I make lemonade....ummmm....actually I make lemon curd! Fresh lemon curd is the best! Enjoy it on english muffins, angel food cake, fresh gingerbread, and scones, of course! This recipe makes a large amount, so use it lavishly and share. We make our lemon curd in the microwave rather than on
- [Chai Snickerdoodles](https://joyfulalchemy.com/chai-snickerdoodles/) - I'm not quite ready for summer to be over, we waited a good long time for warm days here in the Pacific Northwest. Even so, I can tell that autumn is just around the corner. The late summer flowers, the cone flowers and black eyed susans, are blooming and attracting butterflies, and the first apples
- [Chocolate Zucchini Tea Bread](https://joyfulalchemy.com/chocolate-zucchini-tea-bread/) - Summer never fails to bring a bumper crop of zucchini! Every summer I endeavor to come up with new recipes in my attempt to keep this veggie under control. I steam it, butter it, stuff it and fry it. I slice it into salads and grate it for use in a variety of breads. This
- [Scone Tutorial 1 - The Science and Magic of Yummy Baking](https://joyfulalchemy.com/scone-tutorial-1-science-and-magic-of/) - As promised to our Facebook friends, here is the first of three little scone making tutorials. This first tutorial is on the science, or "the magic" behind yummy baking and the importance of quality ingredients. The second tutorial will be on some techniques, for example: "if you can't see your butter bits, you have gone
- [Scone Tutorial 2 - Tips and Techniques](https://joyfulalchemy.com/scone-tutorial-2-tips-and-techniques/) - Every baker has their secrets....well, no....that is not necessarily true, but we do have techniques developed and learned which we rely on without even thinking. We know what dough or pastry should look like, and how it should feel, smell and taste, and sometimes even how it should sound. Since you can't just pop into
- [Scone Tutorial 3 - Dori's recipe](https://joyfulalchemy.com/scone-tutorial-3-doris-recipe/) - Dori's Favorite Scone Recipe 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon sugar, plus a little extra for sprinkling 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cubes very cold butter (3/8 pound or 12 tablespoons) 2 large eggs 1/2 cup half & half 1 teaspoon vanilla (or extract of your
- [Seems a Dream..... Florence](https://joyfulalchemy.com/seems-dream-part-1-florence/) - April 17th I closed my shop for three weeks packed a small travel bag and headed off to Europe with my husband, brother and sister-in-law. Chris, Mark, Elisa, and I were on a mission; to retrieve my niece Amy from her college term in Florence, and to see as much as we possibly could in
- [Happy Thanksgiving!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/happy-thanksgiving-4/) - Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and
- [Happy Thanksgiving!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/happy-thanksgiving-3/) - May this Thanksgiving day find you with many reasons to give thanks. May your table be full of favorite foods and surrounded by those you love. May your heart be warmed and memories stored for the years to come. Happy Thanksgiving!
- [Winter Solstice](https://joyfulalchemy.com/winter-solstice/) - Millie and I just came in from an early evening walk. Was a lovely slow walk in the quiet darkness of this longest night of the year. Nearly every home in our small neighborhood is decorated with a string of lights or two, and the falling mist softened their glow beautifully. On the porch, as
- [Results from the Washington St. Track and Field Championships](https://joyfulalchemy.com/results-from-washington-st-track-and/) - My son, Will, finished 7th in the long jump last Thursday, but due to a hamstring pull suffered in his last jump, he was unable to compete in the triple jump on Friday. Nick French finished 6th in the javelin and Angelina Berger finished 4th in women's shot put. A fine showing by our South
- [Christmas 2012](https://joyfulalchemy.com/christmas-2012/) - From our home to yours..... we wish you a peace filled and.... cozy Christmas!
- [Playing in the leaves](https://joyfulalchemy.com/playing-in-the-leaves/) - To clarify, I spent some pleasant time today playing in the tea leaves, not autumn leaves. : ) Yesterday I blended up fresh batches of two popular blends, Mutiny Bay Blend and Summer in Provence. I always enjoy the scooping and measuring, the sniffing and tasting. There is something so soothing and old-fashioned about the
- [Sweet Surprises](https://joyfulalchemy.com/sweet-surprises/) - The nicest things can take you by surprise. After reading about my desperate dive into the chocolate chips, a dear friend stopped by and surprised me with a small box of my favorite sea salt sprinkled, chocolate covered caramels from Sweet Mona's here in Langley. Thank you, Ruth, for your thoughfulness! I am allowing
- [Chocolate Chips](https://joyfulalchemy.com/chocolate-chips/) - Have you ever had one of those days when you simply had to dip into the chocolate chips? No bones about it, this is one of those days. All the chocolate Santa left in my stocking is long gone, and I couldn't quite bring myself to snitch some of Chris's, although I did think about
- [Pomegranate White Tea Spritzer](https://joyfulalchemy.com/pomegranate-white-tea-spritzer/) - For Mother's Day sipping I served a delicious spritzer made with our Pomegranate White & Green Tea and champagne. So easy, so yummy and very pretty in a tall slender glass. I used pilsner glasses, but tall champagne flutes would be lovely. You'll need: Pomegranate White & Green Tea (or any fruity white or green
- [500 Plastic Bags, Labels and Twisties Saved!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/500-plastic-bags-labels-and-twisties/) - Today, Island Tea Company donated $50.00 to The Nature Conservancy in honor of our customers! I'm so proud! In 2007 we started giving our customers a 5 cent discount for reusing our tea packaging or for bringing in their own tins or jars to be filled. They received a 5 cents discount for each bag
- [Iced Tea's 105th Birthday!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/iced-teas-105th-birthday/) - We have been enjoying a real summer here in the pacific northwest. In fact, we've been breaking records and while the temperature today here on Whidbey Island will probably only make it to the high 70s, by early next week we anticipating temperatures approaching 100! And that, is too hot by most anyone's standards, certainly
- [Autumn Greetings!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/autumn-greetings/) - The first week of October..... Where did September go? It was gone in the blink of an eye and much too quickly for me. I always look forward to autumn, it is such an interesting time and one I like to savor. Summer's heat wanes and the crispness of fall creeps in. Green returns to
- [Holiday Redecorating Closure!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/holiday-redecorating-closure/) - It is down to the wire here! Except for two small shipments everything is here and accounted for and just in time, because we redecorate the shop for the holidays this weekend! I can hardly believe it is that time again, but it is. Tomorrow evening, as is our custom, we will paper over the
- [Holiday Season 2009](https://joyfulalchemy.com/holiday-season-2009/) - Last week was a blur! After a weekend closure to redecorate, we opened on Monday for our 12th annual holiday open house and had a wonderful turnout. The rest of the week continued nicely with many customers stopping in to see what is new, to visit, and to enjoy a cup of tea with a
- [Lovely Lemon Tea!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/lovely-lemon-tea/) - One of my favorite teas is back in stock, Lemon! One of my dear friends nicknamed this flavored black tea "Lemon Drop Tea," because that is indeed what it smells and tastes like! It is delicious hot or iced. In fact, it is one of my personal favorites over ice. I'm enjoying a glass right
- [A little shipping and delivery delay....](https://joyfulalchemy.com/little-shipping-and-delivery-delay/) - I am going to be out of the office for several days this week, so orders placed today, May 24, through Monday, May 30, will not be shipped out or delivered to Freeland until May 31. I'm never comfortable delaying orders, and I dislike disappointing customers, but I hope you'll forgive me. My soon to
- [Time for a Change! We're Closing!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/time-for-change-were-closing/) - After 15 years of happy tending, the time has come for me to close Island Tea Company. This was a decision I’ve struggled with for months, but it is time. I am going to take a little break, tend to my family, and pursue a few cherished dreams which have been waiting in the wings.
- [Winding down....](https://joyfulalchemy.com/winding-down/) - Happy October to you! I'm having a hard time grasping the fact it is October, for September flashed by so very quickly. As news spread of my decision to close Island Tea Company, the orders poured in and kept me and several assistants very busy! Inventory has been significantly pared down, but a nice selection
- [Two weeks to go......](https://joyfulalchemy.com/two-weeks-to-go/) - There are several rapidly approaching ordering and delivery deadlines to be aware of. If you live on Whidbey Island and are accustomed to picking up your orders at The Paint Escape in Freeland, you may order up until noon on Thursday, October 25, for delivery on Friday the 26th. Please note: all orders must be
- [Three days to go....](https://joyfulalchemy.com/three-days-to-go/) - Since announcing the coming closure of Island Tea Company in early September the days have flown by. Our closing date of October 30 is rapidly approaching as is our ordering deadline. The last day we will be shipping orders will be Tuesday, October 30. Your order must be placed by noon (PST) on Monday the
- [Happy Thanksgiving!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/happy-thanksgiving-2/) - To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven. ~ Johannes A. Gaertner To all my lovely readers and customers, I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving! May your table be laden with your favorite foods and surrounded by those you love!
- [Destined to be the mother of boys.....](https://joyfulalchemy.com/destined-to-be-mother-of-boys_6810/) - I always thought I'd have girls. When I was expecting my first baby, I remember, as if yesterday, the first baby outfit I bought. It was a soft little pink after bath snuggly gown, with a hood and cuffs trimmed in delicate lace. Several weeks later, during an ultrasound, it was revealed that I was
- [A romp in the meadow](https://joyfulalchemy.com/romp-in-meadow/) - Last weekend was the last weekend we'll have both boys home for a while. Jamie left last Monday on a one way ticket to Hawaii to start a life adventure. How long he'll be there is anyone's guess! At the least, he'll be there until his meager savings give out. His first foray for provisions
- [Happy Valentine's Day, Happy Birthday!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/happy-valentine-day-happy-birthday_1495/) - Happy Valentine's Day! Isn't that a sweet vintage postcard? Such a pretty little girl. My grandmother received the card from a girlfriend when she was a young woman. My mother is now the caretaker of Grandma's postcard collection and from time to time I'll share one with you. Please feel free to take this
- [Arizona Adventure](https://joyfulalchemy.com/we-spent-last-week-of-august-exploring_2523/) - We spent the last week of August exploring Sedona, Oak Creek, and Flagstaff in Arizona. Visits were made to as many parks and monuments as we could manage, including a fun trip by train from Williams out to the Grand Canyon. We enjoyed several day hikes in the Red Rock Country (Gorgeous!), a few great
- [Autumn in the garden](https://joyfulalchemy.com/autumn-in-garden_2051/) - Sometime in late September or early October, a certain crisp coolness gives rise to a sense of urgency in any gardener's soul. Winter is coming and there is much to do; roses to be tidied up, perennials to be divided and shared, bulbs to be planted. After more than 2 weeks of going into the
- [Happy Thanksgiving!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/happy-thanksgiving_8317/) - Giving Thanks For the hay and the corn and the wheat that is reaped, For the labor well done, and the barns that are heaped, For the sun and the dew and the sweet honeycomb, For the rose and the song and the harvest brought home -- Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving!For the trade and the skill and
- [Time to write.....](https://joyfulalchemy.com/time-to-write_9719/) - Six months plus since I last wrote in this blog of mine. Once I made the decision to close my brick & mortar tea shop, and committed to a date, that is pretty much been where my time needed to be focused. But now I am finding time here and there to take a breath,
- [A new year begins...](https://joyfulalchemy.com/new-year-begins_3626/) - The first day of the new year is softly coming to an end. Just before the sun set, I glanced out the window to see the tops of the tallest firs and cedars tinted a warm gold....such a contrast to the cooler greens below and the bluish cast of the snow which covers the meadow
- [I LOVE this time of year!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/i-love-this-time-of-year_3731/) - I just love May and June! With a little sun, a little rain, a little more sun....the greenery just explodes! We have a white lilac that is a cutting from a shrub in my mom's previous garden. While the fragrance of this unknown variety is delicate it is delicious enough to attract my nose and
- [Beautiful goodness](https://joyfulalchemy.com/beautiful-goodness_5868/) - There is something so magical about shopping for fresh produce in my own garden. When I get home from a day of shopkeeping, I grab a basket and head out to see what beckons. While the soaker hoses quietly hisssssss, I pick berries, greens, the veggie of the week. Isn't that pretty? Doesn't get any
- [Oops!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/oops_5301/) - Isn't this the dearest little thing? We have a swallow box up in the roof peak of our front porch and have the pleasure of monitoring a family's progress each summer. On the third of July, this poor little baby either fell out of the nest or was pushed out by one of his siblings.
- [Stargazer time!](https://joyfulalchemy.com/stargazer-time_720/) - This was the year I was going to enter stems of stargazer lilies into our county fair. I had my eye on the blue ribbon or maybe even Best in Show! Oh, how I have babied these beauties since spring. They and their strawberry companions have been fertilized, mulched, protected from marauding slugs, and deeply
- [Sweet Virginia](https://joyfulalchemy.com/for-nearly-year-we-plotted-and-planned_7496/) - For nearly a year we plotted and planned and finally on June 20, I flew to Virginia to visit my dear friend Lesley for nearly a week! Except for two visits into Williamsburg, most of my visit was happily spent at Lesley's charming home nestled in the countryside. We visited late into the nights, sharing
- [In honor of The Queen's Diamond Jubilee](https://joyfulalchemy.com/in-honor-of-queens-diamond-jubilee/) - I would have loved to have been in England for this weekend's festivities, but since that could not be, I decided we should at least have scones and tea!And so we did. Well, actually I had tea with my scones, and Chris enjoyed beer with his. Not exactly traditional perhaps, but the Brits do enjoy
- [At the beach on a perfect summer day](https://joyfulalchemy.com/at-beach-on-perfect-summer-day_6326/) - In May, I made a list of things I hoped to do this summer. I haven't had a whole summer at home without a shop to to run for 12 years, so my wish list was quite a long list indeed! I knew I wouldn't be able to do everything, but it was such fun
- [Grandmother's Collection](https://joyfulalchemy.com/grandmothers-collection/) - I have always enjoyed looking at my grandmother's collection of vintage postcards. It is such a charming collection. Some of the cards were posted, and have short messages, stamps and addresses. Others were purchased and never used, or were perhaps received in exchanges with girlfriends. Fortunately, my grandfather saved many cards he received, too, and
- [The delight of a late winter snow...](https://joyfulalchemy.com/delight-of-late-winter-snow/) - When we went to bed last night the sky was bright with stars. We awoke to the unmistakable quiet of fresh snow. All the cedar and fir branches bowed gracefully under a perfect light coating of white. The warmth of the strengthening sun is quickly melting the snow, and water droplets twinkle like sequins amidst
- [Rosy amaryllis in April...](https://joyfulalchemy.com/rosy-amaryllis-in-april/) - As I worked at my desk this week wrapping things up before leaving for vacation I loved watching these amaryllis blooms open. My mother-in-law sent me a bulb, a baby from her plant, which I planted in January. Even on an overcast day the light coming through the lace curtains is enough to make the
- [Greeting Spring](https://joyfulalchemy.com/greeting-spring/) - It is a lovely, sunny, mild afternoon here on South Whidbey, and Millie and I just returned from a long walk. We listened to birds twittering in the roadside brambles and enjoyed checking the progress of daffodils blooming in the welcome sunshine. It was quite a leisurely stroll for there was much of interest to

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