The pitter-patter of rain pelts the navy blue umbrella of a gentleman in a dapper suit as he thoughtfully hurries up the steps. He’s careful to not splash water from the rushing stream flowing down the street gutter. A seagull caws overhead seeking some semplance of shelter as it begrudgingly settles under the building awning […]
Category: Reflections
One Year Later
Today marks the first anniversary of this written space! It wouldn’t be what it is without you; the curious mind that has chosen to direct their attention to my evolving perception and relationship within the tea. The photo above is of my first gaiwan and has served a reminder that all storms pass and that […]
An Exercise In Decisiveness
I grew up in an environment where everything felt predetermined as either right or wrong. Being raised in a boarding school campus and a house with 9 other kids my age meant that topics with innate fluidity in morality and decision-making were automatically placed on the pendulum of good and bad. This created order amid […]
Not Just Tea: The Untold History And Future Of Tea
With over 360 attendees spanning 29 countries throughout the world, I, along with many friends within the community, witnessed four leaders within the industry give their take on the current state of affairs. In wonderful expression, the panel was hosted by Khrys Vaughan of In Her Company, featured Rui Liu of GrassPeopleTree, Elyse Petersen of […]
Traveling With Gong Fu Cha In Mind
While my work mainly keeps me in the great city of Chicago, I occasionally find myself on business trips throughout the country for a week or two at a time. As I strive to maintain a consistent gong fu brewing practice, I’ve found it necessary to keep tea’s solace with me from state to state. […]
10 Memorable Teas from 2019
As the year wraps up I cannot help but extend gratitude to everyone that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting, sharing tea with, and engaging in discussion within this community. I’ve learned so much not only about tea, but also in regards to myself within the world of the leaf. Whether it’s a profound tea-drunk […]
Experiencing Jade Star IV
Ask anyone familiar with Mei Leaf’s portfolio of curated teas and you’ll find Jade Star holds a signature place in the minds of many. The series features aged white tea cakes and Jade Star IV is a blend of Mu Dan and Shou Mei material from 2010; boasting powerful psychoactive properties to the individual(s) drinking. […]