"Close your eyes and feel hot snowflakes on your tongue; water from an elusive mountain stream, caught in cupped hands of a wistful child." ~ from "Distinguished Leaves, Poems for Tea-Lovers"

I have often written about the "swaps" that I have been involved in - color swaps, nature swaps, hand-written letter swaps.  My most recent one was a "tea swap". I was paired with Jennifer from Lancashire, Great Britain. I sent Jennifer a package of my favorite Jasmine Flower Tea from Atlantic Spice.  

When our mail carrier delivered a package to my door the other day, I couldn't figure who would be sending me something - I didn't recall ordering anything recently.  As soon as I saw the front of the package however, I knew that it was from Jennifer.  How exciting!  I just love getting my swap packages!

I took out one package after another of individually assembled teas from Bluebird Tea Co.

"Bluebird Tea Co. is a fairly young, happiness spreading, independent, award winning, unique Tea Mixology Company on mission to make people happy with tea!"

I know that I will enjoy every one of the teas that Jennifer sent me!  She also included a lovely little book titled Distinguished Leaves, Poems for Tea Lovers.

I love all of the things that Jennifer sent to me, but I mostly love her long, handwritten letter where she tells me about herself, her life and her family.  This is the part of swapping that brings me such joy - the connection with another person in another place.  I get a thrill every time.

Thank you Jennifer for your generous gifts and for the time spent with you through your letter - priceless!