Serendipity. Not only do I love the way that word rolls around on my tongue, (ser-en-dip-i-ty), and the other equally fun words of serendipitous and serendipitously, but I love even more the meaning. Serendipity: chance, fate, luck, karma - and another favorite word - providence!
This week I got lucky. I was driving from Hemet, California to Bakersfield - a trip I make every other week. Typically I drive straight through, getting gasoline before leaving on both ends. But this week, as fate would have it, I needed to purchase a gift for someone dear to me. We were brought together by chance, and have become very close friends. It was her birthday! And I was going to visit her. I had the card, but I needed a little something.
As I drove, the thought occurred to me that a tea shop was what I wanted to find. My dear friend loves tea, and perhaps I could also find a tea "pretty." But driving on I-10 how would I ever find such a thing? In the distance, I spotted a sign for Bed, Bath and Beyond. This was probably as good as it would get for me. Feeling a bit disappointed, I took the exit and headed down the service road. So you can imagine my surprise when I turned into the parking lot and my car was heading straight - and I mean straight - for The Loose Teas Cafe and Gift. What providence!
Located in Monrovia - which is another great word to say!- the shop was amazing and so was the staff. They helped me with my present, even going so far as to place it in a beautiful bag with tissue. Gift wrapped! Later when I presented my gift it was loved. Now I'm cursing myself that I didn't buy a second, or a third. So I shall have to stop back next trip. By the way, the iced tea that I took to go - was serendipitously heaven.
