Time for one last cup of tea

Hello, come on in, it's chilly outside isn't it?
Let me take your coat and we can get warm in my room surrounded by many many quilts.

I would take you up the many flights of stairs to my uni room, talking as we went. It is such a tradition sitting and having tea now, that there are no awkward pauses at all. We get going the moment we set foot through the door.

I would usher you into my room and I would offer you one of two chairs or the bed. All are comfy and all come with a quilt. You are welcome.
As you made yourself at home I would pour the first mug of tea and offer you cookies. It is the one thing I really miss about having my own place, not having that much space to bake any more.
Ah well, the christmas holidays are nearly upon us and the kitchen at home will be busy most days with baking, cooking and stewing!

Look at that, we are on to the Christmas talk already! What are your preparations. I am quite a purist when it comes to Christmas. Christmas starts for me on the 1st of December. I really want to pop the christmas music on but I am resisting till next week.
As you wrapped your hands around your mug I would ask you about christmas presents. Do you buy them or make them? Either way I love the hunt of finding that special gift. There is always one I am particularly proud of.

I would pass you the plate of cookies and you would ask me how term has been? I think I would ponder for a bit and tell you it has been so good in many ways. The workload has been manageable, I am enjoying being surrounded by my friends again. Being a third year is lovely. On the other hand, things feel more serious. I had some PGCE interviews this week and it was emotionally and intellectually exhausting. I am so excited for what next year may bring though. I think I am ready to start career things. Did you feel like that as you came to your last year at uni?

At this point, I'm sure the mugs would need refilling and the talk would naturally turn to craft things. As you know I completed Miss Maggie Rabbit and it was wonderful. I so enjoy having something to busy my hands with. I am planning on doing some more weaving when I get home and also have a few sewing projects in the works. I am hoping santa will be kind and send me some dress patterns I have been swooning over! What are you making at the moment?
Sitting on my shelf is my project life book, we would probably take it out and look at it together. My housemate comes in and often sits with it. I think it's a very tactile book. How are you doing with project life you ask? I'm behind, I would smile. Although, that is nothing new. I do it when I have a few minutes I would tell you. It's not a project I like to force myself to do. It should be fun, and when I'm busy, it isn't fun, so I'm giving it time.

Look at that, the cookies are dwindling! They are a Beach family favourite and always seem to disappear swiftly.

Looking at me intently you would ask about time for tea. I would say, with a catch in my voice, that it is sad to see it go. That I feel so privileged that people have stopped for tea with me each month, have shared their highs and their lows. I would tell you that it has reinforced to me how much we need to share with each other, how great our love of storytelling is. I would tell you that the official meme may end but time for tea won't. The kettle is always on in my house. I won't stop chatting about the everyday stuff and hope you won't either. This blog community is magic.

The time would come for you to leave. I have been dreading this. But it has to happen. The hug would be a long one. There may be tears. But like I said, come back soon. You are always welcome.

You would walk off down the cobble street and my hand would be raised in farewell.

If you were sitting down for tea with me today, what would you say?

This is the last month I will run time for tea. I am so so grateful for everyone who has joined in other the months, everyone who has shared, everyone who has laughed with me over a mug of 'brew'. It has been an absolute delight. This last time, do sit down and write a post. It doesn't need to be long, just chat to me over your favourite drink. And if you want to get all nostalgic like me, you can find all the previous time for tea posts under the link on the sidebar!

If you would like to write a "tea" post please add it to the linky at the bottom so we can all sit and share with you! The linky will be open for a week so you have plenty of time!