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 deep breath.
What a challenging time. My heart goes out to all those who have been and continue to be affected by this unsettled and concerning time. My circle of loved ones have thus far avoided the virus, but our lives have been touched by it none-the-less.
Earlier this year, I stepped back for a short while, needing to try to get a feel how the pandemic might affect my business, and with a start one day, I realized how different the remainder of the year would be. There will be no holiday shows this year, they have either been cancelled or will be in formats that leave too much uncertainty to plan for. I look forward to these shows so much, and I will deeply miss seeing friends and customers in person. For my island customers I will be offering several front porch pickup days and will announce these in my holiday post.
Autumn teas and spices are here and flying out the door, including Grandma’s Pumpkin Pie and our ever popular Organic Mulling Spices. Holiday and Winter blends are nearly ready and will be available later this week; and by mid-month, The Apothecary Cupboard will be fully stocked with lovely fresh soaps, balms and sprays, and perhaps a new surprise or two. If you would like to reserve any teas or gift items, please feel free to send me a note, and I’ll happily set them aside for you in a custom listing which you can include in any purchase before I close for my winter break.
There are two new teas for you to contemplate; Decaf Black Currant and Pink Lemonade, a delicious fruit and herb blend. Decaf Black Currant, is a lovely gentle tea perfect for evening enjoyment or for those sensitive to caffeine. Pink Lemonade is an uplifting blend of apple, lemon grass, hibiscus, lemon peel and lemon oil. The pretty pink infusion is a lovely balance of tart and sweet. With a touch of honey, Pink Lemonade will be a welcome winter soother, and delicious over ice in the summer.
As always, thank you for reading. Take good care. Be well, be strong, be kind.
Dori,
Good to hear from you. I’m sorry your holiday shows have been interrupted, but thought you might like to know I think of you every morning when brewing my cup of tea, and wonder when I’ll need to be ordering more.
Hope all is well with you and yours. We’re fine down here– or, as fine as one can be under the circumstances.
Take care, and I hope to see you when I’m next on the island again.
Greg
Hi Greg,
I’ll miss the shows, but it is just as well. I’ve a little stack of books calling out to me and a knitting project needing attention, and I plan to take full advantage of a quieter season. Actually, I’m looking forward to it. All is well here. Wishing the best to all of us!
-Dori
Hi Dori,
I’m so glad to he war from you! I’ve been wondering how things were going out your way. Most of the autumn shows were cancelled here as well, but we do have one outdoor Christmas Market coming up! I wish you were closer. My granddaughters and their moms all love your balms and soaps, so we are looking forward to making our Christmas lists. Please let me know when your product listings, including any new winter teas, are ready for orders!
I’m happy your family are well and have escaped this awful pandemic. Please don’t let your guard down!
Best to all,
Kay Vennie
So lovely to hear from you, Kay! My family is being very careful in the hopes we may have small gatherings at the holidays. We have new cases on the island, but just a few. For the most part, locals are being very conscientious. Winter and holidays teas will go live tomorrow, and once the Cupboard is stocked I’ll send out a holiday post. As items load up, please feel free to ask me to set things aside for you. Best to you and yours.
-Dori
Hi, Dori! I feel a shopping spree coming on. Can’t wait to get into the store. I visit Whidbey, virtually, often–and I don’t need an electronic device to do it. Such lovely memories! All is well here in Boise, and it continues to seem miraculous that my daughter can drop in on the spur of the moment for a cuppa. We shall be sharing Pink Lemonade before long, brewed and served in porcelain I bought at your shop.
Have you read Lisa See’s The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane? Lovely book. I got a little pu’er tea cake from one of my Whidbey book club friends. Grand fun––interesting brewing experience.
If you’d like to see the mischief I’ve gotten myself into these days, check my website. I’m having such fun. Wishing you a successful holiday market season. Hugs to all–
Dot! I always love hearing from you! It makes me smile to know your daughter can pop in for a cup of tea and a chat. So nice.
I haven’t read The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane. It sounds right up my alley and a perfect book to put on my Christmas wish list. Took a peek at your website. How fun is that??? That is absolutely perfect for you, not mischief at all! : ) So, when I finally finish a draft of my kid’s book, I know who to talk to! Much love to you and yours.
-Dori
Dori, it was a gift, really, to open your email and know that you are still blending and sharing with the world through these challenging times, and to be reminded how much I miss your delicious teas. To persist in spite of the darkness bringing warmth to the hearts of others in the ways we know how, is really the only thing that’s going to get us through it all. Picturing you and your pup are staying cozy up there as we head into the depths of winter. Thank you, stay healthy and safe and keep on keeping on! Big hug from the desert, xx – Hannah
Hannah, so, so nice to hear from you, and such a sweet message most gratefully received. I came very close to quitting this year, but as I sat with my hands around a mug of tea in March, I knew this work from my heart and hands was still needed. The comfort of tea is pretty important during heavy times. Because my business is so small and I had that shop, I think it so special that I can visualize the majority of my customers. And so, as I blend and package an order, I can tuck in a little extra love and good wishes. The only thing that would make it better, is if I could make pot of tea and pour you a big mug full. Hugs from Whidbey! Give Evie a gentle squeeze from me. -Dori