“Do you fancy a cuppa?”
I think that might be my favorite Australian phrase. It always makes me smile and gives me a little thrill of excitement for it is the prelude to all manner of goodness: something hot and delicious to drink, a jolly soul to visit with, and a treasured break from the hustle and bustle of to-do lists and deadlines.
Sometimes my cuppa is a steaming mug of Earl Grey tea laced with raw sugar and a drizzle of milk.
Mostly it’s a Hazelnut Latte, no sugar, with an extra shot of espresso to muffle the sweetness of the syrup.
But this week I switched to a simple cappuccino layered with a thick froth of foam and dusted with cocoa.
It is a comforting drink, one you can sip dreamily without being distracted by strong flavors or heady aromas.
I really fancy it.
My favorite thing about a cuppa is that it always comes with a Permission Slip to slow down, sit awhile, and simply bask in the comfy presence and conversation of a good friend.
I find that a cuppa makes any conversation easier. It calms and settles the mind, freeing it to clarify thoughts that were previously muddled and indistinct. It gives a focal point for eyes to linger on if the turn of conversation requires a bit of silence or time to ponder. And if the meeting is a difficult one, a delicious drink can provide a bright spot in a dark moment.
Cuppas are good for solitary times too. How I love treating myself to some Alone-ness with my journal, a few books, and a large cup of something creamy and scrumptious. It never fails to restore rumpled spirits and renew my courage and happiness.
If you could take time for a cuppa right now, who would you like to meet with and what would you like to drink?
I rarely drink coffee Krista, although in Italy I succumbed to “pressure” or just “wannabe Italian ways”, and had coffee every morning. The best coffee I hav ever had is in Seattle just off Pike Place Market on Pike Street…Seattle Coffee Works. They will make a “bong” coffee (I don’t know the real name for the method) that is so smooth it is like drinking tea for me. I first discovered it with the bloggers from Seattle. I would like to share one again with all the local bloggers.
Your Seattle coffee sounds absolutely amazing, Val! I’ve tried several coffee companies there, but never that one. I would love to meet you there for a cuppa. 🙂
‘Do you fancy a cuppa?’ is the ultimate comforting phrase! Here, though, a ‘cuppa’ only refers to tea. If someone offered you a cuppa, then presented you with a cappuccino, there would be outrage. That cappuccino does look delightful though, and I love the sound of a coffee-rich hazelnut latte. Wonderful!
That is so funny, @katyabroad:disqus 🙂 I will have to mend my Aussie ways when I come to visit you again. 🙂
I could go for a cuppa with my sweetie on a warm, sandy shore. 🙂
That sounds wonderful, @google-7501066cc3c890b2a67ce584d4eb9fcd:disqus 🙂
I would want the 4 of us to be sitting on the Italian coast in some quaint little coffee shop overlooking the lovely sea, laughing and joking and eating something lovely and sweet, getting ready for a day of sight seeing and wandering. That would be perfect.
@knittingthemoment:disqus, that sounds absolutely heavenly!!! Though Bear says we can’t possibly make it until tomorrow because today we’re all going to Paris. 😉 I wish!!!
I would like to pull up a chair and have earl grey tea brewed in a pot with my “let’s meet for morning tea” friend Jennie who abandoned me for a New Zealand farm.
Ohhh, that sounds wonderful, @cf9509787f49c8b33d499022bd5145eb:disqus 🙂 I hope that you two can reconnect very soon. 🙂
I would love to drink a hot frothy chocolate drink and meet with you xx
That would make me SO happy, @twitter-178266953:disqus 🙂 I would love to meet you in person one day. I know we’d hit it off splendidly. 🙂 xo
I agree with you. A warm, delicious drink makes any day better. A regular coffee with cream and a tad of sweetener is my trusty choice.
It sure does, @twitter-286462118:disqus 🙂 Mmm, I love a simple cup of coffee too. 🙂
Oh, I just love everything about this post. I think my favorite part was having a cuppa is like having a permission slip to Slow Down. I love that.
I would love to share a cup with you and we could chat about all the things we wanted too. =)
Oh @facebook-100001665607063:disqus , that will make me happy beyond measure. 🙂 Some day, dear friend, it WILL happen. 🙂 XO
Fully agreed, you can’t beat a good cuppa. Your photos of the cappuccino are fab and make it look so tempting. I drink Earl Grey tea with lemon in the mornings but I always got for a cappuccino if we’re out. No idea why. 🙂
Julia
Isn’t it funny how we develop these little traditions? They don’t make a lick of sense, but they feel right. 🙂
My favorite is my “cuppa” first thing n the morning…That first sip is divine.
It IS divine!! 🙂 Makes you feel like all is right with the world. 🙂
Love your analysis of the cuppa =) Such great points!
🙂 Thanks, Andrea! 🙂
Oh when i really want a treat I have a white chocolate moccha and it’s divine!! And of course I’d have it with YOU!!! xxx
One of the joys of visiting with my Mum is the number of ‘cuppas’ we sit and have together x
I would LOVE to meet you for white mochas and a visit, Lisa!! 🙂 That would totally make my day. 🙂 XO
Coffee houses were originally created so people could talk and generally procrastinate 🙂 I think I would be totally incoherent some days without coffee.
I think that is a marvelous description of coffee houses, Hila. 🙂 Sounds like my kind of morning. 🙂
Goodness me, I love coffee…. I’d meet up with my dear friend Bronwyn back in South Africa and I’d have a gingerbread spice latte or a mocchachino 🙂
My sentiments exactly, slow down and enjoy where you are at.