The Old, The New, and The Revived
/I. Project Update
Chai Spice bags almost ready for production. Check them out.
Ginger, Cardamom, Cinnamon (two types), Nutmeg, Black pepper, Cloves, Star Anise, and Fennel. Designed for brewing a batch at home with all whole spices. Great for a social gathering or for keeping a fresh chai supply in the fridge. I am very excited to release this product in coordination with The Healing Spices of Chai book in early September. I have been brewing chai now for almost a decade and I am feeling quite pleased with how this recipe has come together. Been through many rounds of test batches.
II. Brainstorm of the week:
I spend a lot of time thinking about the balance of apparent opposites. One polarity that constantly fascinates is tradition/history contrasted with innovation/new growth.
history/tradition <---------------------------------------------------------------> innovation/new growth
On which side do you resonate?
Personally, I am drawn towards both ends of this spectrum, and it is no surprise that I enjoy the notion of revival, for is not a revival the synthesis of these two poles? Does not the revival pay homage to our ancestors and their ways while also allowing us to be creative?
How does revival relate to remembering what is forgotten?
III. A quote four-pack.
Topic: On the balance of tradition and innovation. Method: Write these down on some index cards and pack those pockets with little quote surprises.
Tradition means giving votes to the most obscure of all classes, our ancestors. It is the democracy of the dead.
-G.K. Chesterton
Without tradition, art is a flock of sheep without a shepherd.
Without innovation, it is a corpse.
-Winston Churchill
Every generation revolts against its fathers and makes friends with its grandfathers.
-Lewis Mumford
The youth of America is their oldest tradition. It has been going on now for three hundred years.
-Oscar Wilde
