Shortcake Bakery & Tea Room

Well, y’all, it’s a new year!! My husband, a faithful gym-goer, dislikes January because the gym is always crowded for the first few weeks of the year, until people give up on their resolutions. Personally, I have never been one to make New Year resolutions; January 1st has always been just another day to me. However, this year I’m trying something different…instead of resolutions (most likely unrealistic expectations of myself that I’m bound to fail), I am setting goals. Achievable goals that I will have all year to accomplish! (Bonus points if I do them in less time!).

This year, I will focus on not only seeing others through God’s eyes, but also myself. You know the saying “I’m my own worst critic”? It is very true for me. In my eyes, I am a flawed failure, and even when I succeed at something do not allow myself accolades. I have realized this past year that in order to love others as myself, FIRST I must love myself!! The bible says before God formed me in the womb, He chose me and set me apart. (Jeremiah 1:5). Can you imagine?? God, the creator of the universe, cared about me before I was even in my mother’s womb! Then, knowing I would mess up, sent His son to die on a cross, so that I can have a relationship with Him! WOW!! If that’s not love, I don’t know what is. I wouldn’t send my son to die for anyone, ya know?

So, if God loves me that much, why do I not love myself more? Can I truly love others if I don’t understand God’s love for us all–including myself?

For 2023, my goal is simple: to learn to love myself the way God does, and in doing so, learn to love others. Through growing closer to Him each day through prayer, studying His word, hearing His voice, obeying Him, I pray I will come to see myself through the eyes of my Creator, Who loves me so much “the very hairs of my head are numbered” (Luke 12:7).

Guess what? He loves you that much, too.

I have had several people ask me, “Why open a tea room and not just a bakery?” I have also had people tell me they have NEVER attended a tea party or visited a tea room. I am saddened and surprised when I hear these things, considering tea parties have been such a wonderful, regular part of my life for as long as I can remember! However, I understand it is becoming less and less common to enjoy tea time, and even less common to visit a tea room since they have become few and far between. In this fast-paced world we live in it is no longer convenient to sit and talk and eat without a special occasion. This is the beauty of a tea party! It can make any day seem like a special occasion — donning your fancy hat and dress, bringing out the fine china, carefully preparing tea sandwiches and mini desserts…it is a time-consuming labor of love to host and attend a tea party. I believe it is a lost tradition that needs to be brought back to life!

As a little girl, I spent a bit of time with my grandma and favorite aunt during summers when school was out. We would regularly browse antique shops and estate sales, then enjoy tea time together! Some of my fondest memories are those summer days. My aunt would often lend me her fancy jewelry and fix my hair in pin curls, like she did as a young lady. It was so special and fun, and I carried the tradition along to my own children. My son and daughter alike would get dressed up, I would bring out the fancy plates and foods, and we would enjoy our tea time! Those are memories I will treasure forever. If you have visited my tea room you have probably met my daughter, as she now assists me in spreading the joy of tea time to others. My son also visits the tea room often, even as a young adult! My hope is that they will carry on the tradition and enjoy tea time with their own children someday!

So, why not just a bakery? I have always enjoyed baking, and after attending culinary school was sure I wanted to be a baker. However, the art of tea time is just so special, I felt drawn to share it with others and attempt to keep tea time alive and well in society! I enjoy incorporating my baked goodies into the tea menu, so I get the best of both worlds! My prayer is that more tea rooms will begin to pop up. Since each tea room offers a unique experience, it would be wonderful to have more! I invite you join me in reviving this age-old tradition — visit and support as many tea rooms as you can, and perhaps even plan your own tea party! I hope to see you soon….