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Tuesday, September 10, 2013

{Meaningful GIFT from The Fairmont Empress Victoria}

Certain days sometimes are full of surprises, such as the mailman delivering an unexpected package. This time it came from dear FRIEND Celia M. High Heeled Life & Resilientista, author and speaker... Carefully unwrapping and finding a very Meaningful gift from the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, Canada. What a joy! Both of us have stayed at two of the Fairmont hotels, the Fairmont Château Frontenac in Québec City on August 13 till 16 of 1998 and the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa from 18 till 20 August of 1998. 
Voilà... A beautiful cobalt blue with gold tin 'TEA at THE EMPRESS with 10 tea bags!
A lovely golden pouch holding this precious tea.
THE FAIRMONT EMPRESS Victoria...
From the Province of British Columbia, Canada where our daughter Liz is born!
THANKS a MILLION Celia for this precious gift and all the fond memories that it did evoke!
We used to live on 304 Fairmont Drive...
As said above, our daughter Liz is born in British Columbia, Canada...
Top seasonal quality tea from e.g. South India... where we have worked!
On our way to work we drove past those tea plantations.
TEA at THE EMPRESS
The South Indian component (Nilgiri mountains)... where we have worked!
So often we passed those tea plantations on our way to work high in the mountains when doing consulting in India for Pond's India for about a decade.
There is one more GIFT from another Canadian blogger FRIEND.
Susan from Ava Grace's Closet sent me this incredibly fine hand crocheted lace table topper; made by her Mama!
So here I did pair it with some fresh Gardenias from our garden on June 22, in our front porch since it was not light enough inside the home. I just finished my photo shoot before another tropical thunderstorm came up!
Using the 1930s teacup and saucer from my dear Mother in Law; blue transferware from Société Céramique Blue Boerenhoeve
Here it is: TEA at THE EMPRESS...
Hope you enjoyed this Meaningful gift of delicious tea!
THANKS again dear Celia and thanks dear Susan!

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54 comments:

  1. sweet gifts from sweet friends. precious memories for you. :)

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    1. Dearest Theresa,
      Indeed, a gift that did bring precious memories...
      Hugs,
      Mariette

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  2. I love your gift from your sweet friend, specially because it evoques memories of another counrty you lived before and where your daughter Liz was born...wonderful my friend. I don't think I've seen a picture of your DD. You always come to my mind Mariette, as soon as I use something Delft in my posts.
    Have a super week.
    FABBY

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Fabby,
      Thanks for loving this 'golden' gift!
      No we did not live in Canada, only worked there but Liz's biological Mama lived there. If you put the word 'daughter' in the search box to the top right of this blog, you will get the post about her.
      You have so many Dutch treasures in your lovely pent house!
      Hugs,
      Mariette

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  3. Oh, I came back to tell you I just love your house in the header and I'm in love with your gazebo, wish I could have tea with you...maybe some day?
    FABBY

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Fabby,
      Thanks for your compliments and yes, it would be lovely for having tea wih you in our gazebo; you are quite welcome; you know that!
      Hugs,
      Mariette

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  4. We were at the Fairmont Empress in Victoria only a few days ago Mariette! Oh it was lovely! Though we did not partake in the afternoon 'high tea'. It looked fun though!
    Enjoy your tea!
    xo Catherine

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Catherine,
      This is like being kindred spirits... Such a high tea at the Empress sure looks lovely. On their FB Page they let people send in photos of their kids having tea. SMART!
      Hugs,
      Mariette

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  5. How I would love to share a cup of tea w/you some day. Such beautiful tea treasures.

    Big bisous, M-T

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Marie-Thérèse,
      Oh, that would be lovely if we ever manage to realize that!
      Tea + Friends = BLISS!
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  6. White gardenias, hand crocheted cloth, blue and white china, and tea goodies from the Empress ~ sounds like the perfect combination for a delightful teatime.

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    1. Dearest Sarah,
      Oh, even the temporarily sunshine included made for the perfect combination indeed! Very sweet gift that brought more than sunshine...
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  7. What gorgeous tea treasures, dear Mariette! :)

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    1. Dearest Linda,
      Indeed a gorgeous tea treasure coming from your country!
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  8. What a lovely Surprise, dearest Mariette!
    Enjoy this wonderful Tea
    and have a happy new week!
    Love and hugs
    Claudia

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Claudia,
      You bet we did enjoy this special tea gift from such dear friend.
      You too, enjoy this new week of September.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

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  9. Good Morning Mariette, You have some very kind and considerate friends in Celia and Susan. The crocheted tablecloth is beautiful and I know you will treasure it, not only because it is handmade, but because of the kind thoughts which come with the gift.
    What a wonderful surprise to receive the gift of the teabags from Celia, especially as you have stayed at The Empress. I love the fact that the gift evokes memories of the times you have stayed at the hotel. Each time you enjoy a cup of this tea, the memories will come flooding back to you.
    Enjoy your wonderful gifts.
    Best Wishes
    Daphne

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Daphne,
      Such friends certainly are kind and considerate indeed and we ought to keep those inside our hearts. The tea is warming but the thoughts of the persons behind it even more, including the crocheted table topper.
      No, we did not stay at the Empress in Victoria but in two other hotels from the Fairmont group!
      We certainly did enjoy these gifts and continue to enjoy the table topper.
      Happy new week to you.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

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  10. Liebe Mariette,

    heute regnet es hier.
    Die Sonne im Herzen muss scheinen.

    Alles Gute
    Elisabeth

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    Replies
    1. Liebe Elisabeth,
      Wenn es drausen Regen gibt kann man ja gut sein Herz wärmen mit eine gute Tasse Tee.
      Lieber Gruss,
      Mariette

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  11. How kind of your friend to send you a reminder of past days.
    Hugs
    Kay

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Kay,
      Indeed a very thoughtful gift that gave the fondest memories back to us...
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  12. Wat een mooi kado, de tafel ziet er uit als een plaatje uit een woontijdschrift.
    Het natte overhemd van de jongleur artiest op mijn blog wat met opzet gedaan door het meisje dat een bak water over hem heen gooide. Was onderdeel van het verhaal, aantrekken en afstoten...
    Groetjes Marianne

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    Replies
    1. Beste Marianne,
      Ja, inderdaad een erg mooi cadeau en een genot om uit te pakken; zó spannend...
      Goeie opzet dus in het verhaal wat je zo mooi met foto's kon vast leggen!
      Liefs,
      Mariette

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  13. thoughtful gift Dearest Mariette.
    Your friend so kindly.
    surely the tea tasty;)
    have a good day

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    1. Dearest Ayu,
      These are very lovely gifts indeed! We enjoyed the tea which brought back sweet memories of south India.
      Hugs to you,
      Mariette

      Delete
  14. Liebe Mariette,
    ein ganz liebenswertes Geschenk.
    Der Teetisch ist so liebevoll arrrangiert.
    Man möchte am liebsten Platz nehmen.
    Einen guten Start in die neue Woche wünscht
    Irmi

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    Replies
    1. Liebe Irmi,
      Ja gerne würde ich eine Tasse Tee für dich einschenken! Wenn man Geschenke teilen kann wirkt es als doppelte Freude!
      Lieber Gruss und auch eine gute September Woche wünscht dir,
      Mariette

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  15. Dear Mariette,
    What sweet friends you have for sending you these thoughtful gifts! You have quite a connection to 'tea' and 'Fairmont' and I can see why these are so meaningful to you, especially with your daughter being born in BC. I love the crochet tablecloth - what an exquisite gift! Your tea in the garden is just beautiful with the lovely china and flowers. I have had high tea and stayed at the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, we are a short ferry ride to there from Seattle. Victoria is a very special place. Hugs xoxo Karen

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Karen,
      Thanks for your kind words and this really shows the sweetness of friends. We have been to Vancouver but we never made it to the Fairmont Empress in Victoria; that was always the down side of doing consulting work or lecturing at a Congress. The other two Fairmont hotels we did book for our vacation for a frequent flyer miles ticket (earned by doing our consulting work). That way you really can savor in all the little luxuries. I never forget the brunch at the Fairmont Château Frontenac with fresh red currants. I was in heaven as my Dad used to grow them commercially when we were children and I love them so much. Here in the south east we don't have any.
      You have been lucky for just being a short ferry ride away from such lovely high tea event and luxury hotel!
      Hugs,
      Mariette

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  16. How nice for you to get such a nice gift.

    Hugs

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Elna,
      That sure was a very nice gesture of two dear friends!
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  17. Lieve Mariette,

    Prachtig toch om zulke mooie geschenken te ontvangen van goede vrienden,
    en helemaal geweldig dat het zo'n fijne herinneringen bij je oproept.

    Geniet er maar lekker van in je mooie schone en opgeknapte tuinprieel!!

    Liefs,
    Ger

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lieve Ger,
      Ja zoiets is een geweldige verrassing en een ontzettend líef gebaar. Toevallig van twee Canadese vriendinnen...
      Zo wordt de wereld ineens klein en kun je nog eens extra nagenieten van bepaalde delen waar je zoveel voetstappen hebt liggen en een deel van je hart.
      Jazeker, het tuinprieel is weer opperbest en het weer ook nog steeds!
      Liefs,
      Mariette

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  18. Dear Mariette,what lovely gifts you received from your friend in Canada!!!!
    A very special tea full of beautiful memories from India!!
    Enjoy your wonderful gifts!!!Have a happy new week my dear!Hugs!
    Dimi...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Dimi,
      Yes, this was a very thoughtful gift that was chosen with a lot of love. Also the finely crocheted table topper is exceptional.
      You too enjoy your September week.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

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  19. Hello, Mariette! What a coincidence! I was thinking of writing a post about my trip to San Francisco, many years ago, during which I stayed at the famous Fairmont hotel atop Nobhill! I have lovely memories from that stay and I can imagine how you felt upon receiving this special tea from your friend! The table top is also very beautiful as well as the way your presented those lovely gifts from your friends!
    Hugs,
    Marie-Anne

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Marie-Anne,
      Oh, the Fairmont Hotel in the historic district of San Francisco we know! My husband did give a lecture there for the North American Mushroom Conference. Guess all Fairmont hotels have a charming architecture!
      Thanks for your compliments and for your visit.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

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  20. Dearest Mariette,
    The crochet table topper is really nice and shall be treasured for life. You will enjoy a cup of tea and the memories will come flooding back to you.
    Enjoy your wonderful gifts.
    Hugs and love to always!
    Michiko

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Michiko san,
      Oh, and I wish we could enjoy such tea together with you... Fond memories and good friends is all we need + some good tea!
      Hugs and love to you,
      Mariette

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  21. What a great gift, my nan use to say a good cuppa could fix most things or at least make one feel better.......

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    1. Dearest Jo-Anne,
      You had a wise Nan! It is a bliss for having a good cup of tea and especially for taking some time out of the day to relax and talk together. Little enjoyments of the day and especially when it is such a warm gift from a dear friend!
      Hugs,
      Mariette

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  22. Che regali meravigliosi cara Mariette, sicuramente li meriti tutti! Stupenda anche quella bella tovaglia all'uncinetto ed il servizio da tè!
    Ancora pioggia per caso? O no Mariette, sarebbe veramente troppa per voi! Quà si sta preparando un temporale, spero non faccia danni ma che piova un pò...c'è troppo secco!
    Un abbraccio grande e grazie di nuovo per esserti ricordata il compleanno della mia mamma, anzi, ti ringrazia anche lei!
    Anna

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    1. Cara Anna,
      Grazie per le parole gentile. Infatti esso è il merito di tali tipo de amiche che troviamo la gioia nei nostri giorni. No, abbiamo avuto sole per le settimane finora, anche l'ultima settimana di agosto è stato perfetta! Spero che la tua mamma ha avuto un bel compleanno con tutti i suoi cari. Abbracci,
      Mariette

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  23. Dearest Mariette,
    Wow, great gift from your thoughtful friend♡♡♡ She must know that you LOVE tea. How wonderful to have such a sweet friend♪ Especially THE FAIRMONT EMPRESS Victoria from BC in Canada where your precious Liz was born♬♬♬
    And GREAT setting, my dear friend.

    Sending you lots of love and hugs to my dear friend in America, xoxo Miyako*

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Miyako,
      Thanks for your lovely comment. Indeed, this was a very thoughtful gift.
      All good things do come from Canada; at least for us that's valid.
      Hugs to you,
      Mariette

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  24. Oh what a lovely gift! The cobalt blue tea can is beautiful. I often have hard time throwing away the tea cans because they are pretty. This is the kind I can't throw away :-)
    The lace table topper is very lovely, too!
    I've stayed at Fairmont Chateau Whistler long time ago. I got a very good price by last minute booking :-)

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    1. Dearest Tamago,
      Oh, they're like magnets to our hands... who could get rid of them?
      Lovely rea gift indeed as well as the gorgeous lace table topper!
      Lucky you for obtaining a smart last minute booking! Those Fairmont hotels are all a like a dream.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

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  25. Liebe Mariette,
    du hast so liebe Freunde, weil du selbst so eine Liebe bist. Schön, dass sie so an dich denken. Und wie gut sie dich und deine Vorlieben kennen. Den Teetisch hast du wieder zauberhaft gedeckt.
    Liebe Grüße,
    Johanna

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    1. Liebe Johanna,
      Danke für deine liebe Worte! Ab und zu ist es schön selber etwas geschenkt zu bekommen. Es macht sehr viel Freude um zu geben aber wir sollen auch lernen um zu empfangen.
      Ja, intelligente Menschen 'lesen' eine andere Person immer sehr gut!
      Lieber Gruss,
      Mariette

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  26. My dearest Mariette oh how I wish I could be sitting and enjoying tea with you and Pieter. I'm so happy you are enjoying the tea and the fine hand crocheted lace table topper from Susan is beautiful. You are truly an inspiration! Hugs and blessings, C. (HHL)

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    1. Dearest Celia,
      Thanks again so much for this regal gift! You bet we enjoyed ALL of it!
      Susan's table topper is also a treasure. Good things do come from Canada it seems like.
      Hugs and happy weekend to you.
      Mariette

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Thanks for your visit and comment.

Mariette...