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Friday, February 12, 2016
Sunday, February 7, 2016
Bright Copper Kettles
original post: http://karenjcarlisle.com/2016/02/07/bright-copper-kettles/
Click.
My second post for the Steampunk Hands Around the World .
Every morning I drag myself out of bed, shuffle into the kitchen and flip a switch. A low rumbling fills the room. My heart skips a bit. Caffeine is on its way.
Click.
The time is almost at hand.
I open the tea cupboard (full of tea cups I have collected over the years). I need to choose. But choose wisely. The mood for the entire day will depend on which vessel I choose to drink from. I extract the chosen one.
I've tarried too long. I boil the kettle again. (I don't like cold tea)
I pour the (water), hold the cup in my hands. Take a deep breath, let the aroma fill my nostrils, seep into every pore. Flights of angels sing from on high. Relaxing. Calming.
Tea. Hot. Black. No sugar.
My favourites are Prince of Wales, English Breakfast and Black Rose.
My favourites are Prince of Wales, English Breakfast and Black Rose.
Tea: Facilitator of social interactions.
"Would you like a cuppa?" is always a great way to start a conversation and meet new friends.
"Would you like a cuppa?" is always a great way to start a conversation and meet new friends.
Tea: A world of adventure.
There's a fantastic tea store here in Adelaide, T2. They have a wall of tea behind the counter, with teas from around the world. There's even a local blend. Perfect for trying something new. Just pick a variety and they supply you with a small foil package with enough for two cups of tea. I can travel from India, to Russia, to Wales in three cups.
They also have wall to wall shelves full of a rainbow of pots and cups to enjoy your new favourite tea. I blame them for fueling my tea cup obsession.
There's a fantastic tea store here in Adelaide, T2. They have a wall of tea behind the counter, with teas from around the world. There's even a local blend. Perfect for trying something new. Just pick a variety and they supply you with a small foil package with enough for two cups of tea. I can travel from India, to Russia, to Wales in three cups.
They also have wall to wall shelves full of a rainbow of pots and cups to enjoy your new favourite tea. I blame them for fueling my tea cup obsession.
Tea: A minefield of Victorian etiquette.
Two things to remember - remove your gloves when drinking and don't extend your pinky finger. How many fingers through the handle? Don't touch the cup with the spoon. Which comes first? Tea or milk? (I was always taught tea first, then milk, sugar or lemon). The list goes on.
Just give me caffeine!
Two things to remember - remove your gloves when drinking and don't extend your pinky finger. How many fingers through the handle? Don't touch the cup with the spoon. Which comes first? Tea or milk? (I was always taught tea first, then milk, sugar or lemon). The list goes on.
Just give me caffeine!
Tea: Bringer of shenanigans.
Have you ever seen a tea duel, or participated in one? All you need is a pot of tea and some plain bikkies (biscuits). There's a few rules which are easy to follow.
Have you ever seen a tea duel, or participated in one? All you need is a pot of tea and some plain bikkies (biscuits). There's a few rules which are easy to follow.
Tea: The (un)official steampunk beverage.
Every event has tea - because I take my own. I even have a set of travelling tea cups.
Every event has tea - because I take my own. I even have a set of travelling tea cups.
Tea follows me everywhere: writing, workshops, meetings, sewing bees, events. It is the one constant that links my work-life, social-life and hobbies. It links my every day life with my steampunk adventures. One sip and I am there - flying airships, searching for krakens, picnicking with my friends.
Tea: Definitely one of my favourite things.
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Unexpected
Today I joined in a Facebook event - Talk of the Tavern: Steampunk Hands Around the World. Kevin Stiles, the Airship Ambassador, was one of the guests - talking all things steampunk. Especially our favourite things. We listened to the livecast and interacted on the FB event page. (Though the last hour gets a little risque for the young 'uns.)
It all started out quite innocent. Then I got guzumped. Don't get me wrong. It was funny. I laughed. (I needed a laugh today.) They did a shout out to one of the participants. I got chosen.
Hello, Karen. Go like Karen's stuff. Buy her books. Post a review. Writers love that sort of thing.
Yes, we do.
Even when I read back my (apparently one-sided) FB conversation. How embarrassing.
And how lovely to have complete strangers spruiking my books on livecast - worldwide.
Even when I read back my (apparently one-sided) FB conversation. How embarrassing.
And how lovely to have complete strangers spruiking my books on livecast - worldwide.
Thank you guys for the chuckle and for the unexpected plug.
You can find the archived podcast on their site: talkofthetavern.comYou can support them on Patreon.
You can follow Steampunk Hands Around the World on their Link page or on twitter - #SteampunkHands
Monday, February 1, 2016
Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Kittens
original post: http://karenjcarlisle.com/2016/02/01/raindrops-on-roses-and-whiskers-on-kittens/
Photo: © 2015 David Ruwoldt.
How can I condense all my favourite things into just a few posts over one month? And how do I choose which ones to include? I decided to listen to the words of Maria in The Sound of Music. My first post for the Steampunk Hands Around the World:
Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Kittens
It almost rained today. Rain! I love rain. I now live in the driest state in the driest continent in the world - and I miss the rain. Real rain. Rain that thumps on the roof so loud you have to yell to have a conversation. Rain so heavy you can't see the end of your bonnet and have to pull over so you don't run up the back of the unseen car in front, that cocoons me from the outside world. Rain that soaks my clothes when I frolick in it. (My family are used to me running outside and dancing in the too infrequent rain.)
What?
Oh, you meant my favourite steampunk stuff - alright. Bear with me, there is a segue here.
Oh, you meant my favourite steampunk stuff - alright. Bear with me, there is a segue here.
I miss Queensland storms, and the rain I took for granted when I was a child on the farm. Don't get me wrong. I love South Australia, the people I have met here.
But I do miss the summer rains.
And so does my garden - another of my favourite things. Almost everything in it is edible. There are fruit trees, vegetables, edible flowers. I'm even growing a Camellia Sinensis with a plan to eventually make my own tea! My garden is full of useful plants, but is also a thing of beauty.
My garden relaxes me. I helps me control my anxieties - a safe haven at home. But beyond the garden gate, there's a big world out there. Sometimes it's scary. And I can't uproot my garden and take it with me.
Then there's my cat. My beloved Tisha. I loved her rumbling purr, which infused the body and wrapped up my heart with unconditional love. For twenty-two years, she soothed my soul, providing a welcome anxiety buster. I miss her dearly.
And now, dear Reader, I come to my point.
All of these things help me cope with the world. When I do have to venture beyond my garden, I find a welcome escape in steampunk - the creativity, the whimsy, the connection to the past all help ground me, dampening my anxieties and bolstering my courage to face the world. It is a form of armour; an accessory, a waistcoat, a spiffy pair of boots. Each time I venture out I take a little steampunk with me, reminding me of my favourite things:
All of these things help me cope with the world. When I do have to venture beyond my garden, I find a welcome escape in steampunk - the creativity, the whimsy, the connection to the past all help ground me, dampening my anxieties and bolstering my courage to face the world. It is a form of armour; an accessory, a waistcoat, a spiffy pair of boots. Each time I venture out I take a little steampunk with me, reminding me of my favourite things:
- Comforting rain reminds me of the whimsy in life.
- My garden - both beautiful and useful - reminds me of a past age where practical items were often also a thing of beauty. And there's also tea.
- The unconditional love of my cat and the acceptance of the people I meet - sharing my passion for steampunk. Friendly individuals who encourage others, who have welcomed me and supported me.
Photo: © 2015 David Ruwoldt.
You can find more steampunk posts on Airship Ambassador's webpage.
Sunday, January 31, 2016
This is how I Roll (Play)
original post: http://karenjcarlisle.com/2016/01/31/this-is-how-i-roll-play/
Good afternoon everyone.
<Pulls curtains closed and grabs the crumbling remains of birthday cake.>
<Pulls curtains closed and grabs the crumbling remains of birthday cake.>
Apologies for a late post today. Last night we celebrated my Dearheart's birthday. We played board games, with fabulous friends, until one in the morning.
Today my body is reminding me it's not keen on truncated sleep.
<Pours another cup of tea.>
<Pours another cup of tea.>
Next week is our regular D&D night. (Squee!) Guess I'll be pouring strong tea next Sunday as well - while smiling the smile of the deliriously adventured-out Rogue. Just as well I have my Steampunk Hands Across the World posts all lined up.
Tomorrow is a bonus post as it is the first day of February and my first blog post in the Steampunk Hands Across the World project. Don't forget to check in tomorrow. Then all is back to normal post schedules, each Sunday.
Now where's that chocolate cake?
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Monday, January 25, 2016
Steampunk Hands Around the World, 2016
original post: http://karenjcarlisle.com/2016/01/24/steampunk-hands-around-the-world-2016/
It's on again - Steampunk Hands Around the World. Last year our theme was Our Playground, Our Classroom, Our Workshop. This year we are sharing Our Favourite Things - starting on 1st February.
What is Steampunk Hands Around the World?
It is essentially a world-wide blog tour, organised by Airship Ambassador. I'll let him explain: Steampunk Hands Around the World "shares and celebrates the amazing and the extraordinary as several dozen steampunk creators – bloggers, authors, event organizers, and others – join in a month-long multi format presentation about the international connections and communications in the community, for steampunks and non-steampunks alike."
- Kevin Steil - Airship Ambassador.
- Kevin Steil - Airship Ambassador.
How does Steampunk Hands Around the World work?
You can find blog posts on each participant's own blog site. If you don't know who is contributing this year, just check out the official Steampunk Hands Around the World blog and read your favourites.
Where to go to follow Steampunk Hands Around the World.
- Links to participating sites/blogs will be added to the Official link page
- FB Event page
- follow the hashtag #steampunkhands or #SHaW on Twitter
My Favourite Things
Starting Monday, February 1st - 29th, I will be sharing my favourite steampunk things with you - every Sunday. I would love you to share yours too. See you then.
Photo: Steamkittens
Past Steampunk Hands Around the World.
All contributor posts, from previous Steampunk Hands tours, can be found on Airship Ambassador's Steampunk Hands Link Lists:
My posts for 2015 incuded:
- #1 Steampunk Hands Around the World 2015 (intro)
- #2 Steampunk Hands: Best of Both Worlds
- #3 Steampunk Hands: My Local Playground
- #4 Steampunk Hands: Back to the Future
- #4 Steampunk Hands: Back to the Future Guest post in Spanish
- #5 Steampunk Hands: Weapon Workshop
- #6 Steampunk Hands 2015: Through the Looking Glass
- #7 Steampunk Hands: Welcome to Our Workshops
- #8 Steampunk Hands: Standing at Attention
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