I have an elderly aunt whose given name is Lady Frances. My great-grandmother's heritage was rooted in the state of Georgia. I am sure my aunt's name originated from our southern heritage. So, where does "Lady" fit in with the South...isn't "Lady" more appropriately considered a British title? (Hold on! The answer is coming...)
As part of our tea catering business, Val and I created a series of etiquette skits featuring a couple of entertaining characters---Lady Grace and Ruby. Yep, yours truly was Lady Grace! In the beginning, my character tried to put on a British accent, which always ended up as a funny mix of fake English with interjected twangs from my Texas upbringing. It became a very painful effort to try to play and speak the part of a British Lady. Eventually, I changed my portrayal of a "British Lady" to that of a "Southern Lady". Walaaah! Like a hand fits into a glove, so my exaggerated southern accent fit my character of Lady Grace! It flowed naturally. I learned a very valuable lesson. While the tea world is steeped with British influence and history, all of which we respect and are very grateful for, it also has a place in other cultures...including the South. Southerners love tea! Southern mansions had "parlors". And, southern "Ladies" are a rich part of southern history. The title of "Lady" in the South was and continues to be one of esteemed value...one to carry with honor. My aunt has not been the only one blessed with the title of Lady as part of her given name...remember Lady Bird Johnson!
When asked recently, if my desire for Cupboard of Blessings was to reflect the more formal British world of tea, I did not hesitate to answer "No!". I have visited numerous sites presenting the formal English tea world and/or influences with impeccable style. In response to my answer, I was advised to drop the name "Lady Grace" from my tea identity. After giving it considerable thought, I realized my character and title of Lady Grace is truly a part of who and what I try to be (a "lady"), and a connection to my heritage. When I tried to portray a character too foreign from who I am or hope to be, I failed miserably. However, portraying a character that reflects my heart's desire as well as my heritage has been a piece of "teacake"! "Lady Grace" is not meant to imply a British title, but be a reflection of who we, as women, can become, regardless of where we live. You see, becoming a "Lady" can happen anywhere, with any accent.
Yes, I love the formality of a beautifully planned tea gathering. I appreciate serving scones with lemon curd and Devonshire Creme---all of which are wonderfully British. I also love bringing a whimsical pot of tea into my garden room (parlor) and sitting on the floor with my granddaughter next to me, to have our special "extremely informal" teatime together (oftentimes, in our jammies!). To serve friends with a very simple tea tray of goodies in my home is as much of a tea gathering as sitting down to an elaborately set tea table in a formal setting. This is my heart...to share with all of you, the pleasures---simple to formal---of enjoying tea drinking and sharing it with others.
Miiii Pleaaashure,
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