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 I’m feeling very fortunate. My garden is full of flowers, herbs and vegetables are flourishing, and my honeybees are busily bringing in blackberry nectar which will soon become honey. It is a rich and promising season.
Yesterday, July 2, was the 25th anniversary of my opening of what was then, Island Tea Company, my tiny shop in Freeland on Whidbey Island. Twenty-five years….. That is just astonishing to me. I had hoped my tiny business would survive for 10 years, and never dreamt it would become such an incredible part of my life. It hasn’t always been easy, or even profitable, but it has been deeply satisfying in so many ways.
Now, after 25 years it is time for me to gently and gracefully let most of my business go. I need to spend more time with family and dear friends, study more deeply and simply enjoy the natural environment in this lovely place I call home, explore new and old hobbies in the beautiful studio my husband built for me last winter, and I would also love to travel and see more of this incredible world. As has been said by others: time’s a ‘ticking and there is more time behind me than there is ahead. Truthfully, nothing dramatic will happen this year, for I ordered teas and herbs for the remainder of the year before making this decision and am quite fully stocked. Please order as you usually would. I don’t anticipate having any sort of sale until the holiday season, nor have I ruled out continuing to blend a very small number of teas and herbals going forward but do know my website and offerings will be greatly simplified. I am not sure where my interests may take me, and I’m making no promises other than to say I plan on writing about my doings on my blog and it would be lovely to stay in touch.
Many of our favorite summer teas are waiting for you on the website now. Iced tea is so easy to make and much better for you than so many other calorie laden bevvies. Stay hydrated, dear ones, and I wish you and yours a Happy 4th of July! Take care and be safe!
I am celebrating you and the last 25 years, my friend! May the coming year bring joy. ❤
And soon, thanks to that little shop, I will have known you for 25 years, too! Thank you for all your encouragement and friendship over these many years. xo
Hi Dori,
I don’t know if you remember never not. My, husband Craig and I visited you and your shop many times in Freeland. We actually spent our honeymoon on Whidbey. I have so, many fond memories. We have not been to Whidbey Island for many years as Craig was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2017. His brain tumor was a rare type which has a better outcome then most. His cancer was stable, but he passed away unexpectedly from aspiration pneumonia in January 2023. I just wanted to let you know and thank you, for the memories that you provided to us.
Carolyn, I am so, so sorry for your loss. How shocking that must have been. Of course I remember you and your sweet husband! You enjoying your scones and tea always made me smile. If you should ever find your way up here again, please message me. You would be so welcome to come by for tea. Peace and comfort to you as you continue to journey on without Craig. (hug)
Dear Dori,
Amazing isn’t it…the older we get, the faster time passes…or so it seems. I fondly remember your little tea shop and loved the times when I visited my sister and we’d
have a special time at that little place!!! THANK YOU!
I would love to connect with you – if you are inclined. Your gardens are beautiful –
Life has been an enormous challenge for me these past few years – and I too, am looking forward to some new times, new experiences….
and my best wishes to you in your new ‘stepping out’ place/time.
Aloha,
diane ahuna
Time IS flyin’ by, Diane! It is crazy! I still remember, as if it was just yesterday, opening the door and hanging my open sign for the first time. So, so many sweet memories I have. Thank you so much for your good wishes. I would love to have you over to sit in my airy little studio and share a pot of tea. We’ll toast the past…and the future. Once past this week, I can make some plans. : )
The day I took my mother to live in a memory care unit, I stopped at your shop on my way home. I was exhausted and upset, and it was almost closing time, but you made me a cup of tea, and your mother sat with me while I drank it. It makes me cry to remember that — you were both so kind. Thank you for that and for many other kindnesses through the years.
Best wishes for new adventures,
Ruth
I remember that day, dear Ruth, I do. That little shop was a heart space, wasn’t it? We must get together this summer. It has been too long. (hug)