Seasons Greetings from Willowbrook Manor ~

With just a couple of days before Christmas, my mom and I want to wish you a warm and wonderful holiday.

For those of you who are first-timers to The Willowbrook Word, I’m Terry, owner and caretaker of Willowbrook Manor English Teahouse and Farm Stay. My recently-widowed mother, author Liz Adair, lives here as well. She has her own corner of this newsletter. We always have a giveaway, so make sure to read to the end. (If any pictures are sideways, click on the link at the top to view in your browser.)

Holiday Tea ~

The wind and rain did not deter hundreds of guests from coming to Willowbrook Manor to celebrate the season with tea. The walls of my home were filled with love, laughter and connection. It was a joyful experience for guests, for my tea helpers and especially for me.

I love hosting families, friends, couples and coworkers with a tradition that is both gentle and nurturing. There is something special about visiting together with sweets, savories, scones, and a delicious pot of tea.

Story Time ~

In the attic of Willowbrook Manor I keep a box with a broken teacup and saucer. I’ve had it there for several years. Many of you know that the teacups from my collection can be purchased with a $100 donation, all of which goes to our outreach efforts for homeless women and children.

Well, Angie has been making tea pilgrimages to Willowbrook for many years. From the Seattle area, she has come with her husband and with friends, but often she comes by herself. A few years ago, she decided to take her favorite teacup home with her. She made her donation, and I boxed up the teacup and saucer. On her way out the door I gave her a hug, which cause the box to slip out of her hands. We both were aghast as it crashed to the floor.

I refunded Angie’s donation, and she went home without the teacup. Since then I have been on the lookout for a replacement. I’ve even subscribed to an online china replacement business with a request to notify me if they get this teacup in stock.

Angie came to Holiday Tea last week, and I sat and visited with her. We talked about schooling, her plans, and the broken teacup. She told me that she knows eventually the same teacup will be found. I concurred. Someday, somehow, either she or I will find a replacement, and we will celebrate with a pot of tea.

Thank you Angie for your positivity. You took a bad thing and turned it into something hopeful. Yours is an energy that promises good things—like finding a cousin to the broken teacup that I keep in a box in my attic.

Tea Gifting ~

If you need a last-minute gift for that special someone, a Willowbrook Manor e-Gift Card is here for you. Click HERE to purchase.

Valentine Tea ~

Our first annual Valentine Tea is on February 15th. The reservations are already coming in. To reserve your table soon so you can join us for this ‘LOVE’-ly event! Click HERE to book.

Tea and Tulips ~

April feels like a long time from now, but it will be here before we know it. Tea and Tulips is part of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival and runs every Friday and Saturday during the month of April. Plan ahead and reserve your table HERE.

Time for Liz ~

This is where I turn the pen over to my mom, author Liz Adair. Here she is:

Liz Sez ~

My graduating class at Fredonia (AZ) High consisted of 13 students. With a student body of 63, we were more like a large family than an institution. The education I got was mediocre at best, but the love and support I received were first rate.

My two best friends, Nayna and Joyce, and I led cheers for the Fredonia Lynx in bouncy little outfits we had sewed ourselves (I’m last in line with the cat glasses). After high school the three of us went our separate ways.

We married, had kids and careers, but we kept in contact with a round-robin letter that sometimes languished for years before being resuscitated and sent along its way.

Nayna and her sister Pali (my college roommate) came to see me the first of this month. Terry had them stay in the manor, and we drank tea before trundling around the countryside.

It takes two hands to count the decades we have known one another, but our friendship burns as brightly now as it did when we were the entire clarinet section of the Fredonia High School band. This New Year’s Eve afternoon (I no longer stay up ‘til midnight) I will raise a cup of Terry’s Herbal Jahva tea to my dear friends for auld lang syne.

Back to Terry ~

Here is where we have our monthly giveaway!

This Month’s Winners ~

The two winners of the book set Oley and Nin are:

• Marlyn D from Kennewick WA
• Heidi B from Burlington, WA

If you didn’t win but would like to have this darling book set, click HERE to purchase ($40 plus shipping).

Willowbrook Apron Giveaway ~

This month’s giveaway is our floral Willowbrook Manor apron. Two people will win. Click HERE if you would like to enter for the drawing. Please include a little note to let me know how you are doing. Mom and I enjoy hearing from you.

Sending lots of love this Christmas ~

Much like the sentiment with the broken teacup, my wish is that each one of us can feel hope this holiday season. If parts of our lives have been broken, may we look forward to finding new–or repairing old–and believing that it is possible.

Merry Christmas, and sweet blessings to you,
-t