Guest Post And 4 Year Blogging Anniversary
Four years ago today I hit the publish button and posted my first blog post. It was scary and exciting and honestly I had no idea what would come of it. I am so thrilled to still be blogging and very happy to have met all of you amazing and wonderful people and I want to thank you for reading my posts, offering your kindness and support and inspiring me. This post on the anniversary of hitting that publish button is a slight departure from my usual food posts, oh. there is still food involved but I wanted to do something a little different, a bit daring and fun.
I am honored that Teagan Riordan Geneviene has agreed to do a guest post today. I also want to thank my friend at Hocuspocus13 for agreeing to help me with this post, she created a recipe for a very special tea (I made it and its delicious, I read about the flowers/herbs and they are incredibly good for you as well) I think it’s the perfect addition to our meal in the tea room. Thank you, and now I am handing it over to Teagan….
Hello everyone. I’m happy to meet you!
From my first visit to A Pug in the Kitchen, it has ranked at the top of my list of favorite blogs. Interesting commentary, photos, easy to follow instructions, and delicious food — I was hooked. So when Suzanne asked me to do a guest post there was no way I was saying no. Even better, it became more of a collaboration than a guest spot.
After my regular, real world job, I’m an author of fantasy fiction. My blog is called Teagan’s Books. My current novel in progress is actually book-2 in an urban fantasy series that began with “Atonement, Tennessee.” The title is the name of my fictional town where supernaturals secretly live among the residents of this seemingly quaint town. (Book-2 will be called Atonement in Bloom.) I told Suzanne about a few different settings in the series that would involve food. She picked a locale that was new for book-2, Adelle’s Attic Tearoom.
What I’m sharing with you is more of a snippet than a story. It’s a scene with two minor characters in the novel. I think it’s fun to get to know the characters who only play a small role. I hope you enjoy it.
Adelle’s Teapot — Features from Atonement TN
Copyright © 2015 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene
The inventory notes Annie recorded were part of an ancient list, passed down through the Metatron clan. For the most part, the older theitem, the more power it held. The kind of power varied widely.
The Mirror of Truth and Justice Most Poetic could show one’s true self. The mirror could be playful, cryptic, devilishly mischievous, or brutally honest. It almost seemed to have a mind of its own. In age and in power, that mirror ranked about mid-way on the inventory list. Annie shuddered to think of the havoc she had known the mirror to wreak.
She kept many of the items hidden in plain sight in her antique shop. It had been easy enough to steer Ralda Lawton away from a special quilt. Ralda, the new owner of the Sunhold estate, did not need that star design quilt, but someone else would. However, the brass Bed of Dreams was meant for her. The bed wasn’t strong in power, but it was effective.
Annie looked down at the ancient list. Something glowed through several layers of paper. She knew the glow came from the script identifying a very old item. The glowing writing meant an item awakened. Her hands shook as she leafed through the pages to the very beginning of the catalogued inventory.
The teapot. Annie took a shuddering breath. It was simple and unassuming looking, but the teapot was the oldest item listed in Annie’s inventory notes. It was also arguably the most powerful. Because of its unique properties the teapot had always been kept separate from the other items. Adelle, Annie’s sister was the teapot’s custodian. It was safely tucked away in the attic of the Victorian house that was Adelle’s tearoom and home.
A brew had not been made from that teapot in living memory. But what else could awaken the pot but the alchemy of water, heat, and the right combination of herbs, flowers, and leaves?
“No Adelle,” Annie muttered as she put away the ancient ledger.
Annie ran out of her shop, the door banging shut behind her. Her platinum hair shone in the moonlight. She skidded around the corner and ran down the town square. Annie stumbled to a stop. She gazed at the night sky in open mouthed astonishment.
Above Adelle’s tearoom the sky shimmered in a golden aura. When Annie looked farther up into the sky, she saw an even more astonishing sight. The entire town of Atonement rested unaware beneath five columns of light pillars. The columns of light pulsed through the clouds.
“Adelle,” Annie gasped. “What have you done?”
With a hand to her chest, Annie continued toward her sister’s home. She fell going up the front porch stairs. As she righted herself, Annie saw that the front door stood open. Then she realized that every door and window in the Victorian house was wide open.
“My God, Annie! Are you all right?” Adelle exclaimed as she helped her sister to her feet and guided her inside.
Annie allowed her sister to guide her, gasping for breath and shaking with fright, to the kitchen table. There Adelle poured a cup of tea. Annie turned horrified eyes from the teacup to her sister.
“Oh don’t be silly,” Adelle chastised. “It’s not from that teapot.”
Annie took a sip of the tea her sister pressed upon her. She took a bite of cake or scone or some baked treat that would ordinarily have been delicious. However it might as well have been cardboard in her mouth. Without even realizing what she was doing Annie crumbled the rest between her fingers never looking at it. She stared blindly out the kitchen window into the darkness, too stunned to process the thousand thoughts in her mind.
“Why in heaven’s name would you let the teapot awaken?” Annie finally asked.
“It couldn’t be helped. I needed to talk to our grandfather,” Adelle replied.
“That wouldn’t be difficult for you,” Annie said. “Why would you use the teapot for that?”
Her sister’s mouth curved to that self-satisfied, cat-with-a-bowl-of-cream smile that Annie knew all too well.
“Which grandfather,” Annie asked, closing her eyes and bracing herself for the answer she already knew was coming.
Adelle pursed her lips then made a reluctant, sardonic grimace. “The one quite a few times removed. Maybe a few hundred times.”
Annie groaned and dropped her head to the kitchen table, her pale hair falling to cover her face. Forehead against the polished wood, she rocked her head side to side. Finally she looked up at her raven haired sister.
“Tell me this is not happening,” Annie pleaded hoarsely.
“It really couldn’t be helped, Annie. I had to consult Enoch,” Adelle said apologetically.
“What could possibly be that important?” Annie demanded.
The sardonic twist left Adelle’s mouth. She looked into her sister’s eyes, coldly serious.
“Cailleach Bheur,” Adelle said. “Beira the Crone.”
***
As you can see, my odd little imaginary town has its quirks. I hope you enjoyed this little visit to Atonement, Tennessee.
Hugs,
Teagan
Dazzle Tea
DAZZLE TEA- Recipe by Hocuspocus13
2 parts red clover blossoms
2 parts rose hips
1 part chamomile flowers
1 part peppermint leaves
tea by these leaves
herbs and water it weaves
a brew so warm
it would awake a storm
teapot time to be reborn
tea time in Atonement at Adelle’s Attic Tea Room
apuginthekitchen 
Happy 4th Blogiversary Suzanne-Hi Teagan! delightful post…Cheryl
Thanks Cheryl. Very glad to to be here still blogging.
I reblogged/And you my lady are special as is Teagan! Hope everyone enjoys Teagan’s snippet I know I did! Hugs to you both!
So thankful for such wonderful friends.
Hi Cheryl — thank you so much for reblogging this guest post. I’m so delighted to help Suzanne celebrate her blogiversary. Mega hugs!
My pleasure Ladies!!!
Reblogged this on Cheryl "Cheffie Cooks" Wiser and commented:
Two of my many favorite friends here…Enjoy both Suzanne and Teagan and be sure to visit each of their blogs…you’ll be glad you did! Cheryl
Many thanks!!
xo
Happy 4th Anniversary Suzanne! I really enjoyed your snippet Teagan, and I will have to try the Dazzle Tea!
Thank you so much Antonia, I love reading Teagan’s work and do try that tea, it’s wonderful. I make a big pot and what I don’t drink hot I put in a jar in the fridge for cold tea.
Looking forward to trying it!
Why thank you Antonia! It’s my pleasure. Hugs.
Happy anniversary dear Suzanne! What a lovely post!
Thanks so much Lynn!!
Wonderful guest post and anniversary! So glad you are my friend!
I value your friendship so much Lynn. Thank you so much.
Congrats. I always look forward to your posts and of course, your recipes.
Love,
Maria
Thanks Maria, it makes me happy to see you stop by.
Reblogged this on ravenhawks' magazine and commented:
As you know I love your blog so congratulations on your anniversary. And your Guest Post was super awesome I want to read her books.So thank you for an amazing post!
Thank you so much for the reblog and for your support. Teagan is amazing.
Thank you for your kind words, Dyanna. Come visit my blog and make yourself at home. 😀
Happy Anniversary Suzanne 🍰🌻🌻
Thank you so much!!
Happy anniversary Suzanne, I love your blog, your sharing your life and recipes with us. Just recently I connected with Teagan ‘s amazing blog. Thanks for sharing , both of you.
Thanks so much Gerlinde. Teagan is awesome and doing this anniversary post was so much fun working with Teagan is a dream and hocuspocus13 for the tea recipe was great.
Gerlinde, you are so kind! I’m delighted that you enjoyed my part of this anniversary party. Huge hugs!
Teagan we are as hooked to your blog as we are to Suzanne’s. Your tea is awesome. Loved the way you presented the recipe. Proud to know two amazing girls ☺
SKD you are so kind. I’m honored to be included in this anniversary post. Thank you so very much. Huge hugs!
Dear Suzanne — thank you my friend… thank you. I’m honored, awed, and just tickled pink to be part of your anniversary. You have given me more words of encouragement than I could possibly count; I think, probably more than anyone else anywhere. I appreciate more than you could know.
The tea from Hocuspocus sounds fit for a goddess. The photos you made are gorgeous — the perfect touch. I can easily imagine Annie and Adelle sitting down right there and having a cup. (And I can’t wait to hear about those scones!)
Happy, happy anniversary my friend. Mega hugs. 🙂
Thank you so much Teagan, for being my guest today and always, I mean always being so supportive and kind. I love the tea also and think she hit it home with this it blends perfectly with your amazing words and the whole setting. You have been a constant source of inspiration and I want to thank you for that.
Happy Blog-versary Suzanne! Even though I’m new to ur lovely foodie paradise, I enjoy it immensely! Cheers to another year & congrats😊
Thank ou so much Allison, I am so happy to know you and really love your blog also. I have to much to learn about wine and you are a great source of knowledge and I always want recommendations for good wine. I just have to say again how much I loved the wine you sent me.
😊
You’ve created a wonderful and inspiring blog. Happy anniversary! 🙂
Thank you so much Ronit.
Congratulations Suzanne, 4 years wow! How did you stay motivated for four consecutive years? There’s got to be a secret to it, do please share :). A great guest post too, I’ve seen this beautiful red-haired lady on many of your posts, so now we actually get to encounter her wonderful talents too. Perfect pairing for an anniversary, not to mention the tea and scones as well 🙂
Thanks Loretta, I know right, 4 years it seems like forever and also like it passed in such a short time. I stay inspired because of all of you, it’s easy. I subscribe and read everyones or mostly everyones posts, look at the photo’s and recipes and it inspires me to do better and cook more. I do love food and love to cook and I am constantly challenged by everything you all do, I stay active on sites like Food52 also, it’s kind of like the equivalent of going to the gym and working out, keeps me always inspired and wanting to do more. I hope that doesn’t sound lame, not meant to sound like that but it’s true.
Thanks Suzanne, that’s a great answer in a nutshell :). I recall visiting Food52 through you and also Selma. In fact I think I got your turkey recipe that I prepared for Thanksgiving from that website. How does one join?
If you go to food52.com you simply sign up by entering your email address and it will direct you to set up a profile. Let me know when you are there so I can follow you.
Loretta you are so kind! Thanks very much for your encouraging words. Have a wonder-filled weekend. Hugs!
Congratulations!!!! I’m so proud of you and your blogiversary!!! Keep it up! Xo
Awww thanks so much Em!!
What a cool post! Huge Congrats Suzanne! You are one of my absolute favorites. Thank you for introducing Teagan. Great read!
Thank you so much Michelle, so happy you enjoyed.
Thank you Michelle — It’s my pleasure. I’m happy to meet you. Hugs!
Happy 4th Anniversary once again Suzanne. .. Great post Teagan and Suzanne… just loved reading through…
Thank you so much Chitra.
Happy blogiversary Suzanne! That was a delightful read 🙂 I really hope I can stay motivated for this long and continue blogging 🙂 Kudos to you 🙂
Thanks so much Freda. I am hoping I can keep it up. Everyday I wonder what to blog about.
That’s always the biggest question..hehe
So true :o)
Happy 4th Anniversary Suzanne! And what a DELIGHT to see the amazing Teagan featured as guest blogger! I so enjoy all her great installments. The tea sounds very soothing. I’m a huge tea drinker.
I was just thrilled that Teagan agreed to guest post and I also love her work. You have to try the tea, it’s really wonderful. I have been drinking it now every day. I love it. Thanks so much.
Thank you Kathryn. Have a wonder-filled weekend. Hugs.
Happy 4th Suzanne. Wow so many posts. I have to say I really enjoy all of your posts. You are amazing in the kitchen and a great friend to so many. I appreciate your friendship, and here’s to another 4! That tea looks so good, and I’d love a cup while I tread more of Teagan’s stories!
Thanks Julie, you know I love you and your blog so much. You have to try the tea, I got the red clover and rose hips from Mountain Rose Herbs, they are a fantastic company and I have enough to keep me in Dazzle tea for a long time.
I love you too Suzanne! I’ll try the tea!
❤️❤️❤️
You’re so kind, Julie. I’m happy to meet you. Hugs!
4 years s amazing journey.. Happy to know you and follow ur blog for years..many more years to some. I love teagan tea great feature
Thanks so much Vidya. The tea is wonderful and very healthy.
Cheers, Vidya — and hugs!
Happy Anniversary, Suzanne! Love this post and story; a tea party is the perfect way to celebrate with friends! xo
Thank you so much. Yes I have to agree, I love the idea of a tea party, I had them all the time as a child and now we are hosting one virtually for many friends.
Blogging is still so new to me, but every moment spent here makes me realize how small the world is… in a wonderful way! Thanks for bringing all these lovely people together!
The blogging world is huge but small at the same time, I love that saying “it’s a small world” We all do the same thing, have similar goals, we have to lift each other up. I hear about really negative things on the internet but our blogs are good places, very positive. We are a small community but a close knit one.
Well put! I’m so thankful to be a part of this community… so many kind, thoughtful, talented, and interesting people (hoping some of it rubs off on me!) 😉
What a great post! Lovely.
Thank you so much Susan.
Happy 4th Blog Anniversary, Suzanne! ❤ I hope we both will continue blogging for decades to come. 🙂
Good to meet Teagan here. I shall check out her blog. This was an enchanting post and dazzle tea sounds interesting! 🙂
Thank you Fae!
Thanks so much, Fae. It’s lovely to meet you. Hugs.
Congrats on your four years of blogging, Suzanne. The Dazzle Tea sounds lovely, and the teatime sweet treat looks really delicious.
Thank you so much. Yes the tea is amazing and this post was so much fun. Tomorrow I post the recipe for the scone. 😄
A very happy blog anniversary Suzanne! You are such a pleasure to be around and makes everybody’s blog more powerful with your encouragement :).
Loved the tea recipe!!
Thanks Teagan for introducing to your writing! It was a very pleasant read 🙂
Thanks Sonal, this was really fun. You are so kind.
❤️
I’m so glad you enjoyed the story snippet. Hugs.
I did 😀
Congratulations on four years of blogging. This post is a lovely read, and a great way to mark the occasion.
Thank you so much Hilda.
Great post ladies – happy Blogiversary Suzanne, and hello Teagan! I love the magic spinning through the tale and the lovely tea with which to celebrate it 🙂
Happy blogging ladies!
Thanks Elaine, yes Magick was in the air!!
What a lovely comment, Elaine. Thanks so very much. Hugs.
The visit with you to Atonement was fantastic Teagan, thank you. And thank you Suzanne for having Teagan as your guest to our benefit.
xxx Mega Hugs xxx
So nice to see you David, I loved having Teagan here it was so much fun. Thank you so much and mega hugs to you as well!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed that “Atonement” tidbit, David. Suzanne and I had a great time with this post. Mega hugs!
Super Happy Anniversary, Susanne! Sometimes I think your blog is my Linus blanket: caring, loving, comforting and always there when I need it. Deliciousness at its best!
Very nice to meet you, Teagan! I don’t read books – I devour them! I love everything about books including what I feel when my hand caresses the cover. I have the utmost admiration for writers. However, I have never read fantasy fiction. I loved your snippet. I guess there is a first time for everything.
Francesca, comparing my little blog to Linus blanket is the sweetest thing anyone has said to me. I love it, thank you so much. You have to read Atonement Tennessee. I happen to love fanatasy fiction and Teagan should be included in the definition of the term, she is so good.
It’s wonderful to meet you, Francesca. I feel the same way about Suzanne’s blog; perfectly said!
I’m glad to give you a mini intro to fantasy fiction. There are so many different types. My “Atonement, Tennessee” stories mix the current-day, real world with fantasy, magical elements. Happy weekend. Hugs!
Happy blogday
Why thank you so much.
Happy 4th Anniversary Suzanne 🙂 I am glad you pressed that ‘publish’ button. Great post, and thanks Teagan, it was a lovely read.
Thank you so much Lynne. Glad I pressed it also, now I have met some of the nicest and most talented people because of it.
I’m delighted you enjoyed the snippet, Lynne. Hugs!
Don’t know how I missed this, I’ll blame WordPress. 😉
First, Happy Blogiversary!!! Cheers and to many more wonderful blogging years!!! 🙂
Second, Teagan rules! Love ‘Atonement, Tennessee’ so much, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve read it, actually, I had to put it away when I was starting to write my book because I love it so much I was worried I might unconsciously copy it. And I never get bored of visiting Teagan’s blog, how could I, it’s magical!!
Third, I can’t stay here much longer, after reading the drool-worthy scone recipe on another post here on A Pug In the Kitchen, I have to get baking. 🙂
Congrats Suzanne! And thank you for giving us another Teagan fix.
Wish me luck with the scones, but with such a lovely recipe, I doubt I’ll need it. 🙂
Hope this weekend treats everyone kindly. 🙂
I thank you, can’t believe it’s been 4 years. Honestly didn’t think I would last a year. Totally agree about Atonement, have read it twice now and started a 3rd but stuff keeps getting in the way and i keep falling asleep when I should be reading. Let me know how you do with the scones. Remember less is more, don’t over mix, don’t over handle and don’t over bake but DO enjoy! The 3 don’ts of a successful scone. They are super easy and very delicious.
Donna, you’re so kind about my stories. I should put this comment on my office wall, next to your review. 😀
I agree completely about Suzanne’s recipes and her wonderful blog.
Looking forward to reading something from your book, hint hint… 🙂 Mega hugs!
Happy blogiversary Suzanne, a great way to celebrate with Teagan’s magical tea party.
Thank you so much Andrea, totally agree and I was so thrilled that Teagan agreed to guest post.
Congratulations, Suzanne- I can only agree with Teagan: ever since discovering your blog it has been one of my favourite places to visit on the web! And what a wondwrful anniversary post-Thank you, Teagan, for this lovely glimpse of Atonement ☺
Thank you so much, I feel the same way about visiting your site as well. I love Teagan and her wonderful creative writing has me hooked.
Mmmmmmmmmm!
Thank you so much Elizabeth!!
Congratulations to you, Suzanne!! We started blogging a few months apart! How fun is it to have come all this way together?! I still make your pandoro pudding all the time! So glad I decided to test your recipe back then! 🙂 Lovely to have Teagan guest post for you, too!
Thanks Christina, so we have been doing this about the same amount of time, amazing isn’t it. I remember so fondly your wonderful review of my bread pudding and will always be grateful for that. Thank you so much.
Happy 4th Blogiversary, Suzanne!! Congrats!!
Thank you so much!!
What a charming post – and the illustrations are so wonderful! Happy Blogaversay!
Thank you so much Noelle, it was so much fun working with Teagan on this post.
Congratulations upon your wonderful 4 yrs.. and love the guest post. and the TEA.. 🙂 thank you Suzanne
Thank you so much Sue, yes love the tea and the snippet from Teagan.
And many thanks for your Kind follow today 🙂
Happy to and thank you!!
Wishing you continued success with the blog. x
Thank you so much!!
What a long long scroll down to get to the bottom of all your comments Suzanne!! But let me add my heartfelt congratulations on all the wonderful posts you’ve sent out for the last 4 years. You know we all love your blog– but most of all I love your warm welcoming spirit that brings me back reading day after day. It’s been lovely to get to know you blog-buddy– and here’s to many more years ahead… Blessings. xo
Oh am I bad I am just now seeing this. Thank you so much Rhonda, So glad to know you and love your beautiful recipes, photo’s family and faith!!
Looking forward to all your blog posts ahead Suzanne. take care. xo
xoxo :o)
Congratulations Suzanne! What a milestone! I am so happy to have found you on this shared blogging journey (I also hit four years in May this year!). Such a sweet guest post to mark the occasion too. Sending you hugs my lovely friend xxx
I apologize Laura for not replying earlier, I am just now seeing this. Thank you so much I love working with Teagan on this post and had a lot of fun.
Oh wow our blog birthdays are close to each other! Congratulations on your 4th blog anniversary! I’m so glad to have met you through here, and if I ever get to make another trip to NY, I’ll definitely call you 🙂 xxx
Thank you Sofia I am glad you found me and vice versa, wouldn’t it be fun if you were here the same time Patty will be here this summer, just planting an idea!!! Thank you and it’s amazing we share almost the same blogoversary.