Tea is deeply personal. It can also be very sociable. It’s to be brewed with the upmost care to detail. The water. The heat. The correct ratios. The kettle. The gaiwan. Or you do like me who is in a hurry because Threes Company is about to start. Boil tap water and pour over carefully crafted Pu erh. Camellia Sinensis. We’re not talking Lipton lemon, or any of those other “teas” that we can all buy at Saveon. We’re talking about teas that are to be respected. White, Green, Black, Oolong, Pu erh, and the incredible Kombucha that The Healing Tree brews themselves. Teas that were hand picked in small batches, nurtured with nothing but sun and water, and rich soil.
Tea can be both light and invigorating or dark and heavy. Its all in the processing. Its also about what you prefer, your state of mind, your present mood, and what you wish to gain from a cup of tea. In the morning a heavy or dark tea is appropriate whereas in the afternoon a white or green tea is refreshing. In the evening an herbal, like camomile or Tulsi, will prepare you for a good nights sleep. Teas possess both culinary delight and medicinal properties. There is enough historical data and modern medical and scientific studies to support the healthy effects that tea has on our mental and physical state. Yet, despite all the claims about tea, the number one reason we drink tea is because it is delicious. Same goes for anything in life, we do it because we like it.
In this brief video, we go beyond flavor to discuss how concepts of Taoism are infused in the tea culture.
Brian and the Berg just sat down with Moe Lam over at The Healing Tree Tea Bar and Apothecary in Thousand Oaks to sip and talk about tea. We ended up not only learning all about different teas and their histories, but a wealth of information about Traditional Chinese Medicine and German New Medicine and how they can be used together to promote health of your body AND soul. Sit in with us on this video and see how generous Moe is with his time, knowledge and talent. Then head on over to The Healing Tree and begin improving your life. Find out more at The Healing Tree
This year marks half a century ago when The Beatles came to America, the Civil Rights Act was signed into law, President Johnson escalated the war in Vietman, Tokyo hosted the 18th Summer Olympics, the world was introduced to Diet Pepsi, and “Bewitched” premiered on ABC in September (who can forget the insufferable sarcasm of Endora). Whewwwww. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the City of Thousand Oaks and its Eichler community. Befittingly, the City and community partners are giving us a parade. And what do we think of when it comes to a parade? A long procession with horsies, fire trucks, grand marshals and grand poobahs, little cars perhaps, marching bands, cheerleaders, community leaders, politicians, special interest groups, banners, but no clowns….they can be intimidating. On September 27, festivities will kick off at 9:00am, followed by a daylong celebration, including live music brought to you by Brian’s band, The Three Rivers Band (http://www.the3rb.net) that goes on stage at The Lakes sometime around 11:00am.
To get the lowdown on the parade, Berg and Brian met up with John Short at Conejo Creek Park to chill. John met us on his Harley on a very warm and dry Saturday morning toward noon. If you’ve never been to Conejo Creek Park, it’s time you do (and while your there get yourself a library card. Physical books, like vinyl records, provide you with genuine experiences). Brian scoped out a nice shady spot under a tree “down by the river” where we sat down to speak with John. John Short is all things Conejo. His relentless support and volunteer work over the years includes president of the Thousand Oaks Little league, board member of the Conejo Recreation and Parks District, chairman of the Investment Review Committee for the city of Thousand Oaks, player in bringing back the Conejo Valley Days, and chair of The Thousand Oaks 50th Anniversary parade. As is with all the individuals that Berg and Brian have recently met through their Chillin’ efforts, John is genuine and personable. He personifies Conejo pride. As Brian succinctly puts it: “The most involved man in Thousand Oaks.”
John originally presented the idea to the City approximately five months ago. A municipal parade usually takes up to a year to plan. John’s been able to accomplish the daunting task in less than half a year. Maybe he’ll be available to organize my daughter’s Bat Mitzvah? To quote the TO Parade website, “”Remembering the past, honoring the memories” is our theme. The parade entries will replicate life 50 years ago when Thousand Oaks was founded. Join us as we take a step back in time, when life was simple, and not as fast paced. When sheep roamed the hillsides and occasionally the streets, and you could see lions and tigers, and even elephants.” I’d like to see an elephant at The TO Meat Locker waiting in line for a tri-tip sandwich. And those sheep better watch out. In order to make all this happen, John has worked tirelessly, bringing together over 90 volunteers with 20 committee members. We should expect 125 entries with equestrian units. 15 of the 18 former city mayors will be dusted off for some baby kissing, and there will be 3 original law enforcement officers………so don’t be caught double parking. At the end of the parade expect there to be built the largest Lego chain to set a Guinness Book of World Records that will raise money for the Dream Catcher Foundation (http://www.thedreamcatcherfoundation.net). All in all, the festivities are expected to draw 3 to 5 thousand Conejovites, or are we Oaksians (perhaps you all can make suggestions and sent them to Chillin’)? Chillin’ encourages everyone to bring their Conejo pride and to have a good time while still being conscientious and safe.
Hats off to John and everyone who has contributed to the parade. Volunteers are still being sought! Check the Parade website for volunteer info.
Discover the Conejo Valley with hosts Greg and Brian. We are real live Conejo Valley guys that are exposing the ins and outs of life in the shadow of LA.
Chillin in the Conejo 