love mug.

every love has a memory.
every tea has one, as well.
to me, they've become one in the same.
during my relationship escapades, i've had a tea that has not only metaphorically represented my connection with whomever, but has also physically connected us.

thomas was the first. we would stop at the shop on campus before class in the morning, and after, on the way home. i remember being fascinated by the selection they had... i most often chose assam breakfast.

andy was the next. we spoke in metaphors more often than words, and praised the idea that the smallest things were the spice of life. when teavana opened, andy and i stumbled upon a fiery white and orange blend... i'm sure you can guess its name.

after andy came louie. such a sweetheart, so caring and devoted. i taught him to make loose tea for the first time, using a sencha jasmine blend i'd gotten from my aunt. from then on it was "baby tea" every morning.

alec was after louie, and we would have high tea at one or two in the morning. he never drank anything except black blends, and insisted that something sweet followed. one night he stole a few bags of his brother's vanilla almond. i was skeptical, since i was never a fan of amaretto, but the tea was incredible. now, whenever i drink it, i get lost in the scent, and my memories of him.

kyle was the most recent. we truly began-bonded- over earl grey. as our love grew, our taste in teas expanded. we could share our thoughts, it seemed, by pouring a kettle. for christmas, he came back from philedelphia with a two pound bag of the most beautiful blend i'd ever seen. rich, glorious, purple in color, it had the softness of lavender petals, and the heartiness of bergamot. it became my comfort drink. my sense of security and belonging.

tonight, it's the lavender. though i feel forgotten and misused, i still love him. whether i'd like to or not. so tonight, i will curl up with my tea, and remember the winter nights we stayed huddled together for warmth, and love. at least i've had the experience of knowing a love so true and deep. while i feel cheated of only having a year, some never see such connection in a lifetime.