Golden Afternoon Tea

Imagine my delight to see that the number of curious eyes upon my diary have grown!

I don't know about you, my curious friend, but for me, Sunday is the day to relax most of all. The day where tea parties seem the most pleasant, even if you are alone. Today, I simply sit with you, browsing some literature and concocting plans for the upcoming summer while enjoying this lovely spring afternoon. I have decided to create a summer reading list for myself, as I am currently wrapped up in the readings for my studies. Thus far, I have decided on a faerie based list, as those tales tickle my fancy and imagine even broader aspects of the wonder world I inhabit. Perhaps I shall continue in the literature of miss Melissa Marr? After reading a certain blog of someone whom I follow, I have learned that the latest installment has been released in the Wicked Lovely series, a dark tale dripping with magic and romance, a genre of which this Alice has come to fawn over. I have already enjoyed the extent of miss Holly Black's Tithe series, and I do admit it was one of my favorites. But here I shall admit, that I do not know of many other stories of this nature. Sadly for I, most of the inhabitants of Wonderland do not partake in literature as often as I, and so I can only rely upon my curious little self in search of more invigorating literature.

Ah, well is well. Have you ever tried a spot of English Afternoon Tea? Though the name is blunt, I do enjoy the flavor. It has subtle hints of a smoky sweet flavor, and though some may argue you should try it with milk, I kindly disagree. It is sweet and earthy, milk or cream may only distinguish the taste, but that is up to your taste buds, not mine! 

Oh, I must share with you a time of tragedy! I had nearly forgotten until I looked to the small bird outside my window. He sung of brilliant sunny day and cool breeze, who wears a wicked grin as he tries to snatch away your warmth, unlike the gentle caress of the warm wind, who only wishes to graze her fingers through your pretty locks of hair. Often do I enjoy her company, but that brother of hers makes me retreat if the sun does no prevail. My own lovely locks have been cut short, and it is a crime of my own fault I am ashamed to admit. You see, I was unsatisfied with my own hair, and now it has left me. I had invested in longer tresses, and little did I know my hair had wept as the kind card fastened the mane to my roots. For you see, the kind card was not so much, I plead to her, 'Dear miss! Please do not hasten, and listen to me! I bid you not to fasten that hair in with paste, for in the past it had resulted in perilous troubles for me!', and with a convincing smile she put my worries to rest, that no glue should touch my hair. 

Now here I am, with my shining hair shorter than my own delicate shoulders! That sticky substance which held in that false mane had tangled up my hair to an event that was inevitable. To the boutique I rushed and asked what I could do to tame it, but with sad eyes the young card of clover told me, that my hair would need to be hacked off. But I bid her to try, and try she did. Oh kind woman, I thank you for your efforts. But in the end, my fair locks did need to be cut. Never shall I invest in phony tendrils, it was too much heartache and heart break. But oh how I miss long hair. I do not think I am the type to wear their hair short, my friend. I envy you and your healthy locks, do not be as foolish as I! Nonsense is a must, but that does not mean no sense. Well, I wear a smile anyhow, as my White Rabbit coos and coddles me, running his long fingers through my still silky locks, with a warm smile on his lips. 

I wonder how long it will take for my long tresses to grow long once more? Will they ever return to me, or as my punishment will they leave on extended stay? But with a sigh I digress, and move onto something far less depressing. Did I ever tell you that the Mad Hatter had recently given me a gift? It was for no reason whatsoever, simply that she had wanted me to have it. It was a rather sweet gesture in my opinion, and now I wear the golden lace around my neck every single day. Can you guess of which fashion it is in? The suspense must be awful! Heehee, I will tell you.

Isn't it lovely? 

A bottle and key, 

Sporting 'Drink Me',

Ever so elegantly?

I wonder. In my Wonderland, the skies are bright lucid blue, but what color is the sky in your Wonderland? In mine, the sky is simply blue because I love that color. Ever since I first saw it sport that color, with a polite smile and eager eyes I told it, 'That is the color for you!', but that sky can be so fickle, can't it? Some times dull gray, or eerie white. Black in the night and orange and purple, golden pink and a sickening array of colors that steams me from time to time. So when I came to Wonderland, I advised that sky to stay in blue, as it was the most fitting color I could behold upon it. And so with a milk blush in that evening, it contemplated my words, until the very next day it sought to take my advice, and from then on wore only the most flattering shade of blue. It is my personal favorite. But what about you? I grow curiouser and curiouser! What ever color could your sky be? Is it blue like mine, or perhaps it is fickle too and decides to change? Did you advise a different color for yours? Maybe you sky looks kinder in pink, or more mild in green. Would it even give yellow a chance?

Now that I stare out at my most agreeable sky, I think of lullabies and melodies. I do believe I like the piano and soft instruments, but sometimes upbeat out of tune tunes are so much fun! Have you ever danced the waltz do something that sounds as if a machine had decided to sing a song? Or have you ever bopped your head to the pleasant sound of men and women who sound like they are of the avian relative? I enjoy doing so, but sometimes, and this is my personal pleasure, I absolutely love the sound of a music box. So simple, and yet so complicated! Truly an export of Wonderland. I have one, that is shaped like a present, dressed in floral wrapping and a big pink satin bow with golden trim, it looks as though it is headed off to the ball without me! But when you twist the golden knob that is hidden in its hind quarters, it plays a most pleasant music for me and me alone. Call me selfish, call me rude, but sometimes something just for yourself is the nicest thing. That music box is a cherished friend of mine, and though she is dressed primed and prettied, she is mine alone to behold. 

I hope you always feel special, my curious guest and visitor. Wear a smile and hold a conversation with your treasures, offer advice to your lovely sky, and dare to argue the weather for more agreeable terms. This afternoon has been absolutely splendid, absolutely wonderful, golden in all regard for me! But what can be done to make your wonderful day even more wonderful? Your presence alone puts a smile on my sweet face. And with this grin, I promise to be no more wittier than the riddles presented to me in my every day wonderful wonderful life. And though wonderful may not always be pleasant, it will always be something to make you ponder, to wonder, and to truly wander.

 

But I will reserve more conversation for our next tea party. As always, I look forward to sharing tea time with you. Until then, my sweetest regards.

Alice <3

Early Morning Earl Grey

Oh my!


Good morning my curious friends. I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised to see that I had accumulated a visitor or two to my tea party. You have boosted my ego just a bit, dear friends, but I promise I will not let that get to my head. After all, it wouldn't be polite, now would it? But I come to you now, so early in this morning with tea ready for us, the table spread and my interests alive. A bit of earl gray in the morning really wakes one's senses, or at least I believe it sharpens my wit just a bit. Have you ever had a fresh cup? The aroma really is sort of sweet, very fragrant and like that of citrus. 


Citrus... the world reminds me of the circus! Oh how wonderfully strange those places are, and yet they are filled with the happiest of peoples. Wouldn't it be grand if I could fly through the air, or tame a ferocious beast? But you know, those places don't seem so outrageous to me, at least not any more. As a resident of Wonderland, why would I? This place entails all of the nonsense a world should always be aware of, a sense of frivolity and wonder that never ceases to amaze, and never disappoints. Oh, and would you have ever guesses that spring has woken up again? Yes, with a warm smile and just a puff of air it breathed life into Wonderland this very day! The wind whispered to the wise old trees, and the blue birds were singing happy tales of how they had spent their holidays. No sign of those snooty flowers yet, but I'm sure they'll blossom soon and claim my garden as their own. They are ever so pretty, but their personalities are repugnant. I prefer the quiet nature they take up every now and then, only do they chatter when you turn your back on them. They are gossip queens, you know. I thought I should warn you about that my friend, otherwise you might not understand why certain rumors about you may spread during the spring. But take it all in stride, try to ignore it lest it actually interferes with your life.


I can't blame you if you don't take my advice. I often think it is good, but never do I take my own advice... 


Let's move onto a cheerier topic though! Today, I awoke in the arms of my beloved White Rabbit. He is ever so sweet, but I'm afraid he was still on a business trip to dream land while I awoke. I dared not to disturb him, but only watched his peaceful expression in admiration for a few moments. You must be thinking, 'Oh Alice! Don't lay out your heart to us!', but my curious friend, this is the public diary you chose to read! The tea party you chose to attend! Don't blame me if you must suffer through a sentence or two of my tender feelings. Despite these words, I am smiling even now and sipping my tea with you. Would you like a refill? Or a bit more sugar? I'd be pleased to kindly fashion your cup in any way you please. My friends have the courtesy to do so for me, and so I would only return the gesture. 
After spending the morning with the White Rabbit, I had met with the Mad Hatter. She ran a bit late you see, funny since I believe it is the White Rabbit told time after time to be late, but she was quite late for our important date today. I was pleasant however, as we took invigorating strolls throughout walls of gray. Whilst I take care of my body in straining so for a bit, I often find that those gray walls melt away, and I wish myself to be roaming throughout the sky! 


Our meeting did not last long, as it was short and had begun late. And so I returned home. I had originally believed this day in Wonderland to be a bit... mundane. And I thought to myself, 'How odd! My Wonderland is always filled with nonsense and amusement!', but just as I believed my day to be rather glum, I realized that I was invited to a small gala if you will. Accompanied by my White Rabbit, we went to the abode of some funny characters I'm sure you would love to meet. This party was friendly and lively, there were sweet treats served and companions with smiles. This time was spent mingling amongst a deck of cards you know. 
Let me introduce them as I know them. The Joker, a fellow with always a smile and a joke, a jester of sorts who is quiet in his own respects. He is almost always accompanied by the Ace, whom is just as lively and silly as he, if not more so, and my White Rabbit and the Ace always partake in friendly sport. There is the Carpenter, who is a young man of fatherly nature, one who is warm and always looking to help. The Walrus, who is a bit odd, but always our gracious host. For now, the rest of the characters shall remain a deck of cards, as the White Rabbit mingled amongst them tonight. Meanwhile I, took in a friendly match against the Ace.


You see, while the White Rabbit mingled with different cards and our host, I greeted the Ace. He and I have always sported this game where one will engage the other in a friendly wave, and both are too stubborn to be the first to halt. I am a bit embarrassed to admit, that it was timed how long we had waved to one another while partaking in conversation. When we finally finished greeting one another, and many would laugh as they recalled, that it had lasted an entire sixty four minutes. Sixty four minutes! Honestly, I could have been joking with the Joker, or sipping tea and delighting in sweets! But all is well, I look back on it with amusement. The party went on, and I suppose there isn't much to tell.


Now I sit here, sipping at my tea this early in the morning. I have not even laid my weary head to bed yet, but I wanted to drop you a visit, a line, a passing glance, and a fond memory to pass the time with. I still find, that tea time is my favorite time. I can pass it with anyone I please, I can discuss whatever I like, and partake in whatever tea I so desire. My clock often argues with me, that I should be sleeping, or perhaps I should be studying or assigned to another activity. But tea time is important! My clock must simply rest his hands and accept this, but his temper is a bit short you know. They say time waits for no man. That may be true, but this is Wonderland, and I am Alice. Time can wait for me, the hours passing are only marks that we have established. The passing of the sun means nothing to me, as time is erratic here in Wonderland. A whole day not need to pass if the sun sinks, and the night can be our daytime, the moon our sunlight. Does this make any sense to you? It doesn't have to. But you should enjoy this while you can. Drink up, I have plenty more. 

Oh curiouser and curiouser I become every day. 

Isn't there anything you wish to say? 

Anything at all! 

Be my guest, is it not a simple request? 

Conversation is not one sided,

But it is here that my thoughts are confided.

Heehee, you'll soon see that I do like to rhyme from time to time. Rhyme is a witty little thing I think. It is used in poem and prose, literature and dialogue, but I like to work a rhyme into at least one sentence of every day, to create a smile, if only for myself. I feel a bit... sad. My thoughts are running low, my wit is dulling. I fear that my day is coming to a close, my curious friend. My well of inspiration is dried up for today, and I must tell you that I apologize. I doubt my conversation today was anything but idling. But please, feel free to drop a line or two, never mind my shyness on your account. I am very pleased to have seen someone leaving their own small entry in my diary today, and I hope to see more. Ideas, critiques, even a simple 'hello' can last quite a while, as I'm sure I've proved to you. I really do relish in your company, but now it is time that I too depart to rest. I hope I have sweet dreams tonight. Perhaps I'll embark on another adventure tonight while I sleep, and I can tell you about it tomorrow. Have a wonderful, wonderful day, and please, always be curious... you never know what kind of nonsense you'll come across.

Sincerely,

Alice <3

Midnight Milk Tea

Wonderful wonderful here, isn't it?

So this is the beginning to this sort of public diary. I'm eager to begin, and yet I'm not sure where to start. So let's go over some introductions first. You may call me Alice. It's a pleasure to meet you, whoever you are, dear reader, and I hope that you shall continue to grace this wondrous little diary with your company and your own reflections. Now, I will most likely be mentioning several characters from my daily life here, so let's go over what they shall be called as well. My lover, will be referred to as the White Rabbit. I'm really not joking you know, I don't want to give out names and such, not here. So, the White Rabbit is my lover, and he has been for nearly four years now. I call him my White Rabbit because he is the one who brought me to Wonderland, he picked me up through different circumstances of my mundane, depressing life, and led me to a place where I call home. A place where I am usually happy, the people are quite charming, and nothing makes much sense, but I like it this way. In fact, I love it this way. 

Moving on. Another character you should familiarize yourself with is the Mad Hatter. She is my dearest friend, and she is often concerned for my health an happiness, though others might find her a bit blunt, I find her perfectly charming and amiable. She would probably laugh should she ever read this, but that's what I like about her. Close to the Mad Hatter is the March Hare. You guessed it, or did you? I'm curious to know. The March Hare is the partner of my Mad Hatter, her boyish friend whom she treasures, and although I am not too close to him, I admit he is a good choice for her. I'm afraid the Queen of Hearts will be cast by a rather overbearing friend of mine, she might have taken a head off or two, but she still is a young woman with feverish desires. The Cheshire Cat, a rather flamboyant, ridiculous, and sometimes irksome friend of mine. Please do not read me wrong on him, it has been awhile since he visited, and I do miss him, but sometimes his ever persistent grin is too much for me to bare. Sleepy Dorm Mouse, someone who often neglects my attentions and thus has become scarce in my life, but she too means well. That is the last of our cast for now, but do not forget that new characters are introduced into one's life every single day. 

Now that you are a bit more familiar with my world, let's say hello. As you recall, my name is Alice. Certainly the pleasure is mine in meeting those who choose to stay and become a part of this brief tea party. So you get to know me just a bit, I'll give you some facts about myself, but not many. Let's see... 

Alice is by what I am called, 

I am petite and not at all tall,

my skin is fair, 

and my head often in the air.

I'll admit, that was for my own amusement, and I found it rather funny. But really, just so you know I do enjoy reading quite a bit, especially fantasies and funny things, poems and jokes, some romances and mysteries. Writing is another hobby of mine, one of which I plan to turn into a career. Creative, that is. The only kind that there should be. I am of the friendly sort, so please feel free to drop a line or two. I would really prefer not to go over a list of hobbies and such here, as that is what a profile is for. But I do enjoy this time. 

Tea time... isn't it a splendid time of day? A time where nothing at all matters, time seems to stop as the clock hands rest, a light snack and tasty tea for you. One lump, or two? But that kind of phrase has faded, hasn't it? No one ever asks how many lumps for the other any more, a serve yourself sort of manner has taken over, which is good in all its respects. But what ever happened to the days before my time, where it was just 'normal' for someone to be so polite and kind to you as to pour your tea and style it in the fashion you pleased? Without expecting to be paid of course. Now such a deed as that is wonderful! Whatever happened that the definition of the word has been stretched so far as to describe a simple act of kindness now a days? I want a world full of smiling faces and manners to the fellow human being. That's not to say that a bit of strangeness isn't fine and dandy, in fact those are the people who seem most fitted for company. Those who smile and laugh aloud, those who dress in bright colors and wear odd perfumes. Those are the people I have noticed to be quite kind, though some a bit too boisterous for me. Instead, even my respected elders are dwindling in kind ways, now they simply give a passing glare to those unlike them. With open arms I welcome those unlike me! Strangeness is a bit wonderful, don't you think? Without it, many great stories and people would not have had the impact they had. 

But my discussions always drift during tea time. By the way, don't listen to whichever clock face you seem to admire. Tea time is any time, my curious friend. Whenever you have a moment of reflection, or a moment with someone close, wear a smile and enjoy the time. Whether it be relaxing or enjoyment, a party or a simple reprieve you take every day, I bid you to take it with enjoyment. Life is sweet, and your tea should be too!

And I'll let you in on a little more about me. I have an intense fear of public speaking, and I am in fact just a bit introverted. This tea time, this diary, is a place where I feel comfortable to share, and may be my only solace in somewhere to put down my thoughts and experiences for the day. But this isn't so bad.

Today I had put together an essay for one professor of mine. It was on a certain epic poem, and the symbolic nature of one of the characters. Unfortunately, I had not found the time to read said poem, but my essay received praise from both professor and peer today. So obviously, I must be doing something right. But even now, I sit here sipping at milk tea, something I believe you should try if you have not already. And I can only ponder, and ponder, and ponder... It seems that the more I wonder, the less I can think to tell you. So perhaps I should finish here. The introductions have been done, and my tea cup is almost empty. 

So, with a grin I hope you have sweet dreams. And I hope that you will always be curious enough to come back here during tea time.

<3 Alice