When reading Tea With Friends blog on October 6th, I was saddened to learn well-known author and speaker, Emilie Barnes passed away on August 31st. I never had the privilege of meeting or hearing her speak in person, but when I first became smitten with tea in 1998 her book, If Teacups Could Talk, was probably the first tea book I purchased. The pages of my book are filled with yellow highlights.
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Her obituary said she authored more than 80 books. What an accomplishment! I went to my bookshelves to see how many are in my library.
I have three devotional books: The Tea Lover's Devotional, A cup of Hope, and Fill My Cup Lord. And 12 tea-themed books besides If Teacups Could Talk: A Tea to Comfort Your Soul; An Invitation to Tea; Everything I Know I Learned Over Tea; Friendship Teas to Go; Join Me for Tea; Let's Have a Tea Party [children]; The Spirit of Loveliness; Timeless Treasures; The Twelve Teas of Celebration; The Twelve Teas of Christmas; The Twelve Teas of Friendship; and Welcome Home.
Emilie was granted 78 years to live on this earth, and she definitely left it a better place than she found it. Only eternity will reveal how many lives she touched.
I would say, "Rest in peace, Emilie" but somehow I don't think she's resting. She's probably busy planning a tea party in Heaven!
I have three devotional books: The Tea Lover's Devotional, A cup of Hope, and Fill My Cup Lord. And 12 tea-themed books besides If Teacups Could Talk: A Tea to Comfort Your Soul; An Invitation to Tea; Everything I Know I Learned Over Tea; Friendship Teas to Go; Join Me for Tea; Let's Have a Tea Party [children]; The Spirit of Loveliness; Timeless Treasures; The Twelve Teas of Celebration; The Twelve Teas of Christmas; The Twelve Teas of Friendship; and Welcome Home.
If Teacups Could Talk is filled with wonderful 'tea-isms'.
"If you really want to, you can grab a quick cup of tea...but you'll miss one of tea's most beautiful benefits - the blessing of slowing down to enjoy it."
"The relationship-enhancing properties of tea make it a wonderful vehicle for getting to know someone new, for patching up a misunderstanding, for sharing good news, or supporting one another in bad times."
"The most beautiful part of any tea party are the faces of friends."
And last, but certainly not least is the teatime blessing she shares on the very last page of the book: "Lord, grant that our time together be steeped in serenity, sweetened by sharing, and surrounded by the warm fragrance of your love. Amen"
Emilie was granted 78 years to live on this earth, and she definitely left it a better place than she found it. Only eternity will reveal how many lives she touched.
I would say, "Rest in peace, Emilie" but somehow I don't think she's resting. She's probably busy planning a tea party in Heaven!
Dear Phyllis:
ReplyDeleteYes, she was indeed a really lovely lady. I too, love her books. She came for years to Glen Eyrie Castle in Old Colorado City to speak at a conference each year so I had the privilege of having her come to my store. She talked with my husband and I for a good hour and was so approachable. She will be greatly missed but I see her whole and well enjoying tea in Heaven.
I was blessed to attend two of her conferences. She was a mentor to me through her books and I am so thankful for her! Just think of the marvelous tea parties awaiting us in heaven!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tribute to Emilie Barnes. She has obviously left a great impression on many lives. Rest in peace Emilie.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn