Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Hello - Friends, Family, Fellow Tea-ers


Hello, 
I'd like to introduce myself. 
I'm Marsha Schewe

I'm originally from northern Ill, and I have lived and raised 3 sons in Baton Rouge, LA for almost 30 years, loving almost every day of it. I'm definitely a southern gal - food, climate, people, culture, and all but mostly the food. For me and my family & close friends, no other area in the world compares with it. 

My husband and I opened an antique reproduction, floral, and gift shop in 1998 named the HopeChest. His serious hobby was furniture making and mine floral design, so we ventured forth. It was in the height of the Victorian vintage decor era, the gifts and ambiance in the shop seemed to lend itself to thoughts of English Tea. 
So with the urging of many customers, we developed first a small tea party nook, then kept expanding to a full tea room for small and large groups, (tea room pictured above). 

When my husband passed away in 2006, I lost the heart for it and closed my tea room & shop.    
But I still have a passion for all things tea, and I hope we connect through blogging.  
I've written enough for one blog, so time to publish. I will blog more another time.

If any of you out there have a memory of tea at the "HopeChest," please comment below where it says "see & leave comment", or click on the date and the comment page also comes up.  It would be fun to hear your HopeChest past tea party details and I'm thinking three of you will win "Tea from Me".



13 comments:

Mary George said...

I. Will enjoy following your pretty blog. I am glad that you have this.

Nan said...

Great site, Marsha! It will be fun to follow.

The HopeChest said...

Mary George, and Nancy,
Thanks for looking! Please tell everyone about my new blog!! :~)

Joyce said...

Marsha,
So very GLAD you finally have your new blog site up and running and now people can see what is going on in "Marsha's World of TEA!"
This has always been so dear and near to my heart!
See you...errrrmm.....tomorrow.

Remind me about the "Tea Dress" I am to borrow and the Tea I am to purchase. Otherwise...I will get carried away and forget.
HA!!
Be blessed,
Joyce

The HopeChest said...

Don't we always forget something....too much to discuss and talk about, always :)

Mary George said...

Marsha, I've been thinking since I first read your new blog. My wonderful mother had tea at your shoppe and I remember how very much she loved it. Yes, loved it, not just liked it! It was in June 2003. It suited her so. I did not realize at the time how special it was for me too; having such a nice place to take my very sweet, particular Momma. I swear that I remember her crooking her little finger when she sipped your delicious tea. Thank you for memories my dear friend.

Kathy said...

Wonderful idea, Sis! It'll be good to see your talents prosper again. I can't wait to see how this unfolds.

Christy said...

I so loved tea at The Hope Chest. I have wonderful memories of when Dustin and I moved back to BR and before we closed on our house, we stayed with mom and I worked for 1 week helping out and serving tea to all the lovely people who would come in to enjoy relaxing with friends while eating the best food ever. I miss the shop....Marsha and I continue to talk about starting a new tea shop. Maybe one day...The Hope Chest will be born again. But it will live in our hearts forever.

tkbauer said...

OK, Marsha. I think I've got this figured out. Can't believe it's been almost 4 years since Hope Chest closed. Hope (Hope Chest) was what brought me through your door. The hope chest I bought for Jeana is a constant, sweet reminder of the loves of Larry's life.

Here's my little teapot...Hope Madelyn.

So glad the tea tradition is alive and well and being passed on to younger generations. May we be so faithful to pass on the love of Christ, our source of Hope.

Judi Lee said...

This is my first experience with a blog. Since you are my best friend, how could I not do this? I love you, Marsha, and wish you great success in your new venture. You are a perfect tea lady.

Unknown said...

The thing that I remember the most are all the times that we would have some tea together, eat some great lemon curd on everything and laugh about our family's eccentricities. We could always find something to laugh about while sharing good tea and good food. I can no longer have lemon curd (sugar) which makes me miss it even more. Thanks for all the good times. elise

The Urban Chic said...

Marsha what a beautiful tea room. Sorry about your husband and wish that you could keep your tea room open. It is so beautiful and I wouldn't mine having a nook if my shop ever gets enlarged, but right now I am in a slump from crafting, due to my parents dying 3 years ago, at 5 months apart. Many Blessings to you, Pat

Bernideen said...

Marsha: I came back to read your post. I am so very sorry about your husband passing away. I have always enjoyed Joyce's blog!