Series Archives - The MockingOwl Roost

July 9, 2024

Published by Rita Mock-Pike at July 9, 2024

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Casting Whimsy Vito Tea Review

The dark richness of the black tea hits first but quickly becomes overpowered by the amaretto flavors that rise from organic almonds, chocolate paillettes, and amaretto extract. Each of the key ingredients dance across the aroma arc over the tin, vividly painting the visual of the perfect evening cup as you watch the sunset and delight in good things.

June 26, 2024

Taylors of Harrogate Blackberry & Raspberry Tea - review cover

Published by Rita Mock-Pike at June 26, 2024

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Taylors of Harrogate Blackberry & Raspberry Tea Review

Each time I sniff this tea, my tastebuds literally start to salivate. The dark, richness of the black tea blends beautifully with the sweet, tart, tangy fruit for a powerful, titillating aroma. As I breathe in the aroma, I can’t resist then drinking the tea after a long draught of the aroma, which is exactly what the scent of anything edible should do.

March 13, 2024

Image of eclipse with text: My favorite things, the total solar eclipse, Tandy Malinak

Published by Tandy Malinak at March 13, 2024

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My Favorite Things — The Total Solar Eclipse

Totality lasted less than 3 minutes — such a tiny fraction of time compared to the years I’d spent waiting, hoping, planning, and preparing. It overwhelmed the mind yet further rooted a desire for more at the same time.

March 4, 2024

Pinky Up Red Velvet Cake Tea review image - with tea and cup on pink fabric

Published by Rita Mock-Pike at March 4, 2024

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Pinkies Up for Some “Red Velvet” Pleasure, a Tea Review

By the name of the tea, I would have expected Pinky Up Red Velvet Cake Tea to contain cocoa or cocoa-like flavorings. Instead, as I opened the tin and smelled, I realized the product may well be misnamed. I double-checked the website and nope. It’s the correct label for the tea.

January 14, 2024

Published by Lynn Aprill at January 14, 2024

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Traveling Back in Time with Outlander

The email from British Airways popped up just as my sister and I arrived at Glasgow International Friday night before our flights home: “We're really sorry that your upcoming flights have been canceled.” A bonus day in Edinburgh? I knew just what I’d do.

January 9, 2024

Things I wish I had said - image cover for "closing chapter on friendship"

Published by Farrah Lucia at January 9, 2024

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Things I Wish I Had Said: Closing Chapter on Friendship

We had been friends for over twenty-five years. More than a quarter of a century. I don’t know why I feel the need to emphasise the length of time we’d known each other, as if the more time invested the deeper the friendship. There is perhaps a strong correlation but no causation between length of knowing and love.

December 25, 2023

It was a matter of tradition at the holidays - image cover for nonfiction piece, with stockings by open fireplace

Published by Sally Quon at December 25, 2023

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A Matter of Tradition

Holiday traditions are a big part of every family, regardless of religion. It’s a time to gather, hold close the ones you love, and create new memories. Our family had changed. There were some traditions we needed to let go of and others to which we held tight.

December 19, 2023

Ahmad Teas Blackcurrant Burst Teas Review - cover image - bunches of currants hanging on plants, teacup hovering over the fruit

Published by Rita Mock-Pike at December 19, 2023

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Ribena Dreams Without the Calories: an Ahmad Blackcurrant Burst Tea Review

Apart from import-friendly grocery stores in the United States, Ribena comes at a hard-fought effort. It also bears the calorie toll of sugar, both added and natural, and unnatural ingredients infused into the “black currant fruit drink” mix. A surprisingly delightful, and calorie-free alternative, comes in the form of Ahmad Teas Blackcurrant Burst.

December 1, 2023

Sip and Be Merry tea on a background with cardinal

Published by Rita Mock-Pike at December 1, 2023

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Christmas with Rita: Sip and Be Merry Tea Review

The instant the tea arrived, I headed to the kitchen, turned on the kettle, and waited for the bubbles. Lifting the lid of the tea tin, I knew instantly that delicate Christmas-y delight lay in store for my soul. Sip and Be Merry from the Republic of Tea could only offer all I had hoped for…

November 1, 2023

Apothecary Tea review, loose leaf tea on cranberry background with flowers on sides

Published by Rita Mock-Pike at November 1, 2023

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Cherry Lovers Rejoice! – “Cherry Blossom” Tea from Apothecary Teas is Here

I had never had the tea before, but I’ve been looking for a good cherry black tea for years. I pulled the cork from the scent jar on the table and knew I’d found what I’ve been looking for all this time. And now you can find it, too, my fellow cherry lovers!

October 26, 2023

Published by Tandy Malinak at October 26, 2023

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Worldbuilding 101: Maps, the Story Blueprint

Your map represents the world your characters live in. It might be as small as a doll’s house or as large as a multi-galaxy supercluster, and that’s fine…provided you can keep it all straight.

October 14, 2023

Published by Rita Mock-Pike at October 14, 2023

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Montego Tea, A Sensual Journey for the Soul – a Tea Review

While I sat sipping this gorgeous cuppa, I felt myself drift all over the world in ecstasy. Memories of South Africa drifted in, sunflower fields of Georgia spilled over, daydreams in Australian gardens flooded my nose, my heart, my mind. The word that came was “sensual.” Not in the romantic sense, but in the spiritual sense. Every one of my senses was engaged.