It is very strange, this domination of our intellect by our digestive organs. We cannot work, we cannot think, unless our stomach wills so. It dictates to us our emotions, our passions. After eggs and bacon, it says, “Work!” After beefsteak and porter, it says, “Sleep!” After a cup of tea (two spoonsful for each cup, and don’t let it stand more than three minutes), it says to the brain, “Now, rise, and show your strength. Be eloquent, and deep, and tender; see, with a clear eye, into Nature and into life; spread your white wings of quivering thought, and soar, a god-like spirit, over the whirling world beneath you, up through long lanes of flaming stars to the gates of eternity!” ~Jerome K. Jerome, Three Men in a Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog), 1889
It’s the simple things in life that keep me going. Tea. My secret to my success. Lots and Lots of tea.
When I was a little girl in Turkey, I was always drinking tea, Bebek çayι or baby (light) tea. I never grew out of the love for tea. Now, putting on a pot of Turkish Black Tea is my daily ritual as I sit down to work.
It warms my hands.
The color inspires me.
The caffeine stimulates my creativity.
I watch the tea leaves swirl at the bottom of the glass.
It is my meditation
It calms my soul as I move through the day.