It starts well.
I'm up before everyone else. The house is quiet. Everyone still sleeping.
I creep past my three-year-old in his bed and carefully turn the door handle. It clunks as I release it too quickly. My teeth grit. I look around. He doesn't stir. Phew.
Time is precious. There are priorities.
The kettle is switched on.
My favourite teacup is still drying under a pile of clean dishes. I weigh up my desire for a pretty teacup with my desire not to wake anyone with the noise of moving dishes. I will use a mug this morning.
My Lady Betty tin is empty right now. The cold morning and ticking clock make the Tielka warehouse next door slightly too far away to get more. I'll have Earl Royale instead. It's a pretty good substitute. Like choosing a butter croissant when the almond croissants are out of stock.
I insert my earbuds, turn my Spotify playlist on, and take my mug to the couch. It's still a little too cold to spend this precious time on our back deck.
A glance at the clock reveals I have 35 minutes until the house stirs. It doesn't feel long enough. I will make the most of every minute.
My music, my tea, my thoughts, my prayers, fill the next half hour or so.
My day is nothing without this.
It sets the scene for the rest of the day. Family, Tielka, life, faith. They are all recharged in these moments.
Accompanied by a beautiful cup of tea, it all comes together. Whatever happens next, the day can start with cohesion and beauty.
This is why Tielka exists.
Indulge in life.
Rebecca Domorev
Co-founder, Tielka