Memories, A Cup of Tea A New Cozy Mystery And A Few Wreaths I Made

Last night my friend Jen invited me to her mom's place to make wreaths for the holidays. I brought my own branches from my yard which I make into stars for my wreath base and then decorated it with a combination of fresh greens and herbs from the garden. I brought the branches that recently fell from my maple tree and some holly my son and I trimmed from the tree in the yard. My friends provided the bay and the sage and Jen's aunt pulled the most amazing purple poinsettia from her stash. I saw it and though of Joyce Lavene and my young friend Ahmie. 

Joyce had become a friend of mine through Facebook over the last few years. She was so  kind to me. Very encouraging and she was someone I very much looked up too. I am amazed at how this woman and her family were able to write so much, so often and so well. Through social media and Facebook I am thrilled to still be apart of this community that Joyce helped build, her presence is greatly missed. I miss her comments and likes on my morning tea photos and her presence in my daily news feeds. I am however blessed through her passing to have been able to connect with her family and stay in contact with our community. Knowing how much she is loved and remembered and still inspiring so many of us daily is remarkable. When I see purple I think of two people who have passed from this world this year and two remarkable people who still inspire others.

http://www.king5.com/story/news/local/2015/11/19/girl-honors-beloved-sister-toy-drive-sick-kids/76078290/
Ahime is the other person I am remembering, Ahmie passed away this summer from Cancer she was 14, she loved purple and she inspired so many and changed so many peoples lives. She leaves behind an amazing family as well. Her mother, father and her little sister (shown above)  carry on  in her memory by helping other children and their families living with and fighting Cancer. Aishah just had her birthday and her wish is for 500 toys, not for herself but for the sick kids at Seattle's Children's Hospital. If you can help her out please watch the video link above and check out her you caring page by clicking here.

I had a rare night out last night an I made a few other wreaths. This one hangs on my front door.

This one now hangs at my mother in laws on her door. I really enjoyed myself and had not done anything like this before,  have done my own door wreaths in the past but making in the presence of friends was a real joy. I am so very thankful to have been invited.

When I got home tonight I was very excited to see an email from Joyce's husband Jim and their cozy Murder Fir Christmas which comes out December 1st. I can not wait to read this one and share my reviews with all of you. You can order your own copy from Amazon by clicking here.

I shall leave you now with yesterday's tea photo, my new lighthouse and  my 2010 Snowbabies figurine. In my cup (from my friend Karolina's mother who lives in Poland and brought me this cup and saucer last summer) I pulled out an old favorite from Davids tea called Coffee Cake. I wish they never retired that flavor and I savor it while I still have some of the loose leaves left.  I am off to read more of Vicki Delany's Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen and hope to have the review for you soon. Thank you for joining me for A Cup of tea and a long story today. I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

A Special Cup Graces My Table Today.

I was standing at my sink yesterday morning washing what feels like my millionth dish when my husband asked me why I was not on my way to Seattle. My young friend Ahmie past away this Sunday and her family was having a celebration of life open to all. I originally thought I should not go and yet as I continued the dishes I realized it was exactly where I was meant to be. My normally crazy life and day had sorted it's self. My husband was home from work, only one of my boys required picking up from school and the other boy I look after after school had an appointment with his own family. Apparently my schedule had been made clear. My husband helped me get ready and we borrowed a GPS and I grabbed my passport and I left.

 Ahmie and her family had become a large part of my daily life for the last year and a half. I hosted an on line tea party daily, where we posted our photos and hopes, prayers and love for this young and remarkable lady. 

Smiles through our sadness at Ahmie's request. We gathered at her home and I had the most remarkable chance to not only see Ahmie's body in comfort and in her home but get to see her amazing circle of friends and family. Family, Food and Friendship I witnessed in the face of such an awful time. Beauty and color in a world that largely felt black and white. 

This is how I will remember you as I stood in that very spot of your kitchen yesterday. What an honor to have been a part of your journey, feel the love and warmth of your family and see you at peace surrounded by those who loved you most.

I believe in the power of three. This week three families lives connected with my own have been changed forever. Three loved ones now at peace and we are left alone together. What an honor and privilege to have my life mixed with theirs. 

My first sips from my friend Ahmie's special cup this morning are in thanks to her mothers insistence that I have this special vessel. Today I am thinking of all of you, Ahmie and what you have lost but also thankful for the friendships gained at such trying times.

Thank you for allowing me this space to share my grief and photos of such an amazing young girl and family. I will be back with more tea and hopefully a review of one of my most favorite cozy mysteries of the year!
As with all my posts I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com