I'm sharing a true Christmas story that happened yesterday and is posted at our Year of Gratitude (YOG) blog where I first wrote about my coffee mugs, if you have time to stop by. (Hint, it has to do with a half-naked Santa appearing out of the blue.)
Now, on to today's topic of mugs, because my house has been so full of comings and goings and company (some will be here until tomorrow) that I didn't have time to get my Sharpies out and draw another edition of Ledbetter Lunacy...
Bad Ode to Vessels
Oh, coffee mugs, coffee mugs, I love you.
Without you here, what would I do?
*Smile* and good morning to all you coffee or tea drinkers this day after Christmas. If you have a collection of favored mugs like I do, you'll understand this post. If not, just come along for the ride anyway.
I love each of my mugs for different reasons, but like my children, I love them all equally. Let me introduce you to my seven favorites: Senorita is the cup with the fish handles my daughter brought home from her senior cruise to Cozumel in appreciation for helping with her trip. Muscle Gal comes from one of my sons' trips to a Boy Scout National Jamboree to NY. He said it reminded him of me -- "Mom, it's a little cracked from the journey, but still got good life in it." (How's that for a teenage boy's attempt at symbolism?!) At least the chip doesn't come near my mouth as I swill my coffee!
Now, Big Gulp (the green upside down mug) I love because I rescued him from the trash heap at the end of a garage sale. What a bargain at just .10! Atop him sits The Black Lion. I treated myself to this beautiful, shiny treasure at the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans while attending the Pen-to-Press Writers Conference. Next is Choo-Choo, the cup I purchased to commemorate a trip taken a decade ago to Colorado when we visited the Silverton-Durango coal-powered train. I love that cup because it's so unique; when hot liquids are poured inside, the blackened windows of the depot open to reveal several train engines. Then they go dark again when the liquid cools.
The big one to the right with all the faces of literary masters? That's B&N, named for the bookstore chain where I found it. I love it for obvious reasons including its depths and ability to limit my trips back to the coffee pot. Last but not least is The Graveyard. The place we all finally wind up. It reminds me to carpe diem, encourages me to keep writing, and represents an actual friend's book -- Deborah Leblanc's Grave Intent.
Before you call me a complete nut, think about this: each of my "mugs" is completely different in size, shape and description, yet provides me with key elements for healthy survival -- gifts from their interiors! These gifts for which I am daily filled with gratitude are good memories, inspiration, comfort, continuity, and the essence of all that is good in my world.
Yeah, you guessed it, the mugs are just like my dearest flesh and blood friends. And as trite as my ode and the following saying are, they are nonetheless true: My cup runneth over.
And to you ~~ I love your mugs, inside and out!
{Photo by Angie Ledbetter}
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19 comments:
Half naked Santa!?!?! SWEET!
I don't think it it a bad ode at all. We all should appreciate our mugs. Can you imagine trying to drink hot coffee with our hands?
LOL, Colby. Enjoy!
Michelle, I think I'd go for an IV before using my hands. :)
This is too funny!
You're hilarious.
You had me at half-naked!
Hilarious post.
I have my favorite mug, too. I bought if for my Dad years ago, but somehow I ended up getting it back. Mornings will never be the same if anything ever happens to that cup.
Ha! I love how all your mugs have a story. my brother is a potter, so we have gorgeous handmade mugs (and teapots and cereal bowls and casserole dishes and pretty much anything else you can make with pottery!)
I hope your holidays are going great!
I had one that would also change colors when the coffee was poured in. Let your imagination run wild, mine sure did.
Oren
There are few things in the world that give me more bang for my buck!
Hey, Jessica. Glad ya liked my mugs. :)
Eric, isn't it strange how your morning beverage just doesn't taste the same when not served in a special mug? Hope yours always stays with ya!
Rachel, you're a lucky duck to have a family potter. I have a set of gumbo bowls a local artist made, and they're one of my treasures.
Hope the holidays have been great so far, Oren. Hug C for me!
Hey, Carrie girl! Have a mug o' something good for me. :)
*waddles into house and plops on couch, looks at Angie and says* "Well, what do you have to say about almost killing me with that wicked good dish, huh?" :D
As a co-coffee and mug-lover, I appreciated this. I may do a similar post some time.
I totally relate to your ode. I, too, collect mugs from travels. My favorite mug thus far would have to be Paula Dean's Lady and Sons mug my husband surprised me with on my 37th birthday. I had mentioned her restaurant was in Georgia and I would love to eat at the restaurant...poof, we were there.
I really enjoyed the symbolism between your mugs and your flesh buddies.
Kimmi, ya made the killer mac & cheese, huh? Now you know I didn't lie! I made a double batch for our family Christmas, and none was left. :)
Be my guest, 2nd Cup! I enjoy the rich and satisfying blend of your blog.
Ang, we have lots of similarities besides our name! What a nice hubby you have, taking you to eat at the Dean's.
Angie, we are sisters of the heart when it comes to the love of mugs. I adore coffee mugs and have several favorites, too.
I even have coffee mugs stationed all over the house...ever ready to serve their master. In my bedroom, it's a green Chicago mug. In the living room, it's an over sized Starbucks mug purchased with a gift card from my brother.
BTW, I made your Best Ever Mac and Cheese for dinner tonight. It rocks! My husband loved it so you have two more votes for "Best" from our house.
It's funny. I'm in y 40's and I didn't even own a coffeemaker until I was in my 30's. I rarely drink the stuff and when I do it is decaf. However, I can appreciate the post as I drink my morning chocolate milk out of one everyday (yes, I am really in my 40's)
JyLnC, glad you're a mug-lover too. And it makes me happy y'all got some real southern comfort food! Don't you love how quick the angel hair cooks up?
Bernthis, we're pretty much "raised up" on the java here. In college, I really got hooked staying up late to study and to wake up for class. Glad you have something to enjoy from your fav mugs. :)
As long as they hold coffee, I'm there with ya on the mugs.
*clink* Toasting to ya, Karen!
ahhhhhh more mugs to drink deep creek blend from!
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