In This Issue: Witness the conjuring of Ruby Lion Inc. - a promising new tea company! pg. 8

Special guest interview with Dark Fiction Novelist Richard Chiantaretto - pg. 22 Enter to win FREE tea! Tasseography contest on pg. 21

5 spooky coloring pages inside!

A Special Halloween Edition

1 2 Something about Fall awakens the witch in all of us...

As the leaves turn and the harvest begins, nature itself takes hold of us in a wild celebration of earth’s bounty. Tea fits remarkably well in this changing of seasons. The magic of brewing the perfect pot of tea on a crisp autumn morn- ing casts its own little spell of well being, contentment, and inspires thoughts of gratitude for what we have. My special thanks go out to Leonard Nima of Red Lion Inc., Rick Chiantar- etto, my friend and author, and Jamah Dacus of BlendBee for their contribu- tions to our Halloween publication. I dedicate this spirited issue to all who embrace the nature worshipper and spell caster in themselves; to those who are willing to put forth the energy and intent to get what they desire. For what would life be without a touch of magic...And tea?

Warmest regards,

Ashley Byrd Editor, Cordially Invited Magazine

3 Contents

Something wicked Exclusive interview this way comes!unity with Dark Fiction for growth and innovation. 9 “My love of Tea has always been there, author, Richard fLetter from the Editor pg. 3 Chiantaretto pg.22

m when my parents would blend Dar- jInterview with Sipper’s Leonard Nima, Sipher founder of Ruby Lion Inc. pg. 8 pg.32

Bee-witching blends Caption this by BlendBee pg. 14bblends! 11 pg. 33 it a name. 14

Tasseography Plus 5 creepy Contest pg.26 coloring pages!

4 5 Each heart has its haunted chamber, Where the silent moonlight falls! On the floor are mysterious footsteps, There are whispers along the walls!

~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, The Haunted Chamber

6 7 From the CoverEntrepreneur Leonard Nima is making some magic of his own as the sole proprietor of Ruby Lion Tea Company! Today, the magician shares his secrets about his journey to purveying fine teas and becoming a small business owner.

8 “I wish to see a world where my efforts will allow easy entry into the world of Tea for our future generations, and for everyone to enjoy higher quality tea at all times. In short, to single-handedly raise the entire standard of tea in America from bagged dust to fresh leaf.”

Leonard (Leo) Nima’s Los Ange- I could do to help the industry became les based tea company, Ruby Lion, is a incredibly clear, and having a family prime example of what the tea industry history of starting their own businesses, in the USA looks like right now; young, I too undertook the task, and thus Ruby exploratory, full of vision, with plenty of Lion was born.” opportunity for growth and innovation. The vision came into sudden clear focus “My love of Tea has always been there, as the plan for growth developed. Ruby from when my parents would blend Lion was incorporated in June of 2016 Darjeeling, Ceylon and Earl Grey to- and is currently preparing to launch a gether as our daily drink from as long web-store before the end of this year at as I can remember. I always had it with RubyLioninc.com. milk and sugar, so I never actually un- derstood the finer points of Tea until “During my visit to WTE, I realized that earlier this year. The 9 to 5 life was kill- Tea is young in America, and there’s ing me, so I set out on a quest to learn plenty of room to try grand and differ- more. In attending the World Tea Expo ent things with the drink. That, and a 2016 (held in Las Vegas), I found out huge division between average Jill and the nature of the industry in ways I Joe drinkers, and aficionados who get would have never imagined. The things certified and teach about Tea. I wish to 9 do something bold with Tea, then begin converting non-drinkers or coffee drinkers, and go further beyond that by inserting Tea culture as the next big thing in LA.”

For now, the website is under construction, but offers an intriguing narrative to the journey that is entrepreneurship; complete with instagram and facebook resources.

“It’s a one man show here. Though I’m al- ways open to the idea of building a killer team that can charge with me into the fray. And everything so far is being funded out- of-pocket as well.”

Though Leo is enthusiastic about sharing his passion for tea through his new busi- ness, it has not been without its challeng- es. Coordinating product packaging while meeting FDA regulations alone is tough on any startup company. That investment of time and energy has been a deciding factor in the decision to provide tea products only, rather than including accessories (tea pots, infusers, etc.) like some other companies do.

“The Tea comes first. Dividing my attention and brand image might hurt in the short run, and I wish to be known as a company that focuses on one thing, and does that one thing well!”

True to Leo’s word, Ruby Lion does tea well! We sampled a Lavender-Chili Pepper blend that they look forward to launching on their 10 new web-store this year. Sultry spice and black tea combines with soothing laven- der for a brew that is absolutely perfect for warming up on a cold day.

We advise drinkers to sip this seductive game-changer with care as the slow burn may overwhelm if drunk too fast. This is a feature we happen to love as we’ve nev- er had a tea that nearly forces you to slow down and pay attention!

“I’m most excited about it because it causes some controversy and discussion around what Tea should be perceived as,” Leo said.

With an eye towards the future of tea, not just in Los Angeles, but the USA at large, Leo has big dreams as his company goes forward.

“I wish to see a world where my efforts will allow easy entry into the world of tea for our future generations, and for everyone to enjoy higher quality tea at all times. In short, to single-handedly raise the entire standard of tea in America from bagged dust to fresh leaf.”

Visit RubyLioninc.com for exciting news and more information on Leo’s innovative tea blends!

11 The Hag is astride, This night for to ride; The Devill and shee together: Through thick, and through thin, Now out, and then in, Though ne’r so foule be the weather.

~ Robert Herrick, The Hag

12 “Needs more cinnamon.” image credit: British National Museum of Art 13 Bee-Witching Brews Dazzle your loved ones with a personalized tea blend for the Holidays!

At risk of being burned at the tons of emails from people that have stake, yes, I said Holidays. Don’t fret. I’m severe allergies, or illnesses that can’t not ready to trade my broomstick in for have the majority of teas on the market, a Christmas tree just yet. I do, however, or need very specific ingredients. It can have an idea for a stress free (and envi- be life changing for them that they can ronmentally conscious) gift that every- make their own perfect blend. It isn’t just one on your list will love! for health purposes either, people create great personalized gifts, even hilariously BlendBee is a delightful little company named teas for gag gifts. We love it when that lets you customize your own tea people get creative!” creations from scratch! They take pride in their commitment to sustainability as The entire ordering experience is as fun well as pure ingredients hand selected by as it is easy. You start by visiting blend- the owner, Jamah Dacus, herself. bee.com where you will have the option to select your quantity after selecting the “The customization portion of my com- ‘make your own’ tab. From there, you are pany definitely makes us stand out,” said guided to pick a tea base plus up to eight Jamah. “It really is my favorite part of other ingredients (fruit, flowers, spices, the business, and I never want that as- etc). Once you’ve got an idea of what pect to change. I love that people can your tea will be made of, you get to give create their own perfect blends. I receive it a name.

14 “The sample sized bags are ideal for Winter. On my trail I have seen all sorts stocking stuffers. Also, if our customers of animals, even a brown bear shared the want the gift recipients name printed on trail with me the other day. Being sur- the label, they just need to let us know, rounded in nature daily reminds me of typically in the notes section of the order. what is important. Living clean, being We are happy to do this with our pre- cognizant of our carbon footprint and made blends, as all our teas are hand- how our actions directly affect our envi- crafted per order. Nothing just sits on a ronment.” shelf here at the Tea Hive.” Jamah’s dedication to the environment The “Tea Hive” is where all the magic shines through in BlendBee’s logo and happens in the picturesque surroundings her favorite pre-made tea blend Save the of the forest near Lake Tahoe. Bees, a mouthwatering mix of hibiscus, jasmine, chamomile, lavender, rose buds, “Last year we packed everything up and marigold, rose hips, orange peel, stevia moved from San Diego to Lake Tahoe, leaf, with honey & orange extract. my man and I both love the mountains and everything outdoorsy. I found an “I created to help our dwindling bee pop- amazing commercial building nestled ulation. 20% of the proceeds go to Pol- in the forest, just up the street from the linator.org. This blend is super delicious lake. Every day I am surrounded by trees and I am passionate about this cause, and nature. I am able to walk from our that being said, this would be my favorite house to the Tea Hive on trails, and can product.” even cross country ski to the Hive in the 15 So, if you’re the type to give donations to causes at Christmas, you can give a gift I also receive a lot of emails asking for that makes the world a better place and help blending the perfect tea, and I am tastes amazing. Now that’s what we call a always happy to assist. Maybe they are win-win! looking for a specific tea to help with stress and anxiety, or most often I get When going about designing a custom asked to create metabolism boosting and blend, many a customer has had doubts detox blends. I’m always happy to help about the outcome of their creations. design the perfect blend for my custom- ers.” “I often get asked ‘What if I make some- thing really gross?’,” Said Jamah. “People If one of the pre-made options looks per- are concerned that they won’t be able fect, but you’d still like to add your own to make a delicious tea. If they place an touch, no problem! All you have to do is order and the ingredients are just aw- order the custom size you want, custom ful together, I will send an email to the name their tea, add a description, and let customer with suggestions on making it BlendBee know in the notes which blend delicious. you want to use. 16 The scope of service and variety that this hobby a reality, and that is what I BlendBee provides makes it difficult to did, with the help from the people I love. believe that the company was established Nothing will ever change, unless you as recently as 2013, a fact that Jamah change it.” wears with pride. Jamah runs the company largely alone, “Before I turned 30 a light went on, and creating tea blends for health benefits or I realized I wasn’t living the life I want- just being delicious right along side all ed,” she said. “I made massive changes of the tasks that come with being a small in my personal life, left a long term rela- business owner. tionship, quit my job, moved, the whole shebang. I made some mistakes on the “The creative aspect of the business is way (as we all should), and I learned so what I personally excel in. Even the la- much. I started traveling and opening bels, packaging, photos, and graphics on myself up to learn, and find my path. I the website are all me. was always very passionate about nutri- tion, and started creating my own tea The technical side of things are a bit of a blends. I was fortunate enough to make learning curve, and I’m fortunate to have

17 some uber smart people in my life that custom services to local businesses. From help me on that end. One of the biggest there I will branch out to other areas.” challenges is learning what marketing works, and where I should put my time BlendBee is definitely going to be a and money. part of my goal to have a small busi- ness Christmas this year. You can’t go Another challenge is finding the highest wrong with a personal touch; especially quality ingredients for my customers, I one that doesn’t drive you crazy with a am always on the search for the best or- ton of over-planning! I’ll also have the ganic ingredients. The integrity and qual- benefit of knowing each order is under ity of my brand is most important, and I the watchful care of none other than the never want to cut any corners.” owner herself. You just don’t get that at a big box store! That dedication to quality is what we predict will continue to launch BlendBee All that’s left is to figure out what to forward. That, and Jamah’s consistent ef- name my tea! Suggestions anyone? forts to incorporate new purposes to the business model she already has.

“I have started to create custom blends for businesses, and see this to be a great next step. Tourism is huge here in Lake Tahoe, and a perfect place to expand my

18 19 “For his gold I had no desire. I think it was his eye! yes, it was this! He had the eye of a vulture –a pale blue eye, with a film over it. Whenever it fell upon me, my blood ran cold; and so by degrees – very gradually –I made up my mind to take the life of the old man, and thus rid myself of the eye forever.”

~ Edgar Allen Poe, The Tell-Tale Heart

20 21 Tasseography (also known as tasseomancy or tassology) is a divination or fortune-telling method that interprets patterns in tea leaves, coffee grounds, or wine sediments. - Wikipedia

image credit: British National Museum of Art “Says right here you’re a witch.”

22 Interview with a Horror Author In which we read tea leaves (and dark fiction books) with Rick Chiantaretto for a spooky good time!

Richard Chiantaretto: author, spiritualist and probable vampire

Whenever I have a question of a supernatural nature, I’m lucky enough to have an un- commonly qualified expert on speed dial. Even when the ghoulies and ghosties get the better of you, he can at the very least make a mean steak. I refer, of course, to my friend Richard Chiantaretto; author of the Crossing Death series and Facade of Shadows. His tales of suspense and the macabre are also featured in nEevermore! (edited by Nancy Kilpatrick and Caro Soles) and Twice Upon a Time (edited by Joshua Allen Mercier).

Because tea and books go together like skeletons and closets, Rick has agreed to join me to chat about his upcoming works over a fresh pot of tea. In light of the witchy sea- son and our haunting topic, we’ll also be reading our tea leaves!

Tasseography was most famously referenced in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azka- ban by J.K. Rowling when Ron Weasley read Harry’s leaves at the behest of Professor Trelawney. We decided to give it a go while using the chart and method found on Tasseography.com. Read to the end for a special Halloween treat that we have planned just for you! 23 A: Hey Rick! Thanks so much for being my I wrote a short story for Halloween that I tasseography guinea pig today! was really proud of, and it won first place in my school’s literary magazine competition. RC: Oh, this is too much fun. Thanks for That was the first time I realized there was having me! this whole creative writing world that had been neglected by my teachers. Up until that A: For our readers who are new to the mod- point everything was essays and poetry. It ern “dark fiction” scene, would you tell us a took winning that competition to realize bit about the genre and how it differs from I could write out-of-the-box literature for traditional horror? more than just a grade, and that people liked it. RC: Actual horror is a tight genre that is de- fined by audience participation and antago- nist roles, all using fear to trigger the dark- “It helps people who may ness of a reader’s soul. At the end of a horror not be willing to admit or novel, you should have learned something confront their own dark- about yourself and your own fears, like fear of death, fear of losing a child, etc. Dark fic- ness enjoy the stories...” tion, in a broader sense, uses some of these horror elements, but can combine them A: In reading your books I definitely sense with other genres (fantasy and romance a flavor similar to Stephen King’s work. Are being two favorites) to still get the same there any other authors in particular that type of reader reaction, but without having you draw influence from? to teach the reader how dark they really are. It helps people who may not be willing to RC: That’s great! I’ll take it. I’ve been com- admit or confront their own darkness enjoy pared quite a bit to Dan Brown, Anne Rice, the stories, and get from them either a sim- and William Gibson, but in all honesty, ple fictional escape, or delve deeper, even to it was the Young Adult authors I read in the point of questioning their own morality, my pre-teens that I have to credit for the if they so choose. greatest influences. L.J. Smith and Camer- on Dokey were two huge influences, whose A: You share an instance on your website books have always had dark characters with that decidedly set you on the path to becom- redeeming qualities. The idea that the bad ing a Horror Author (I encourage readers guys could be redeemed, and that the good to check that out, but keep the lights on). guys didn’t always hold the moral high When did it finally click that you should ground, really challenged me. It was a char- write some of this stuff down? acter conflict I really enjoyed and use often in my own work. RC: It wasn’t until years later in high school. 24 A: Your Crossing Death series touches on A: I understand that the third installment, some deep questions about the hereafter, Death of the Soul, is in the works. How but piles on the gore, all on top of heavy will it compare to the first two? instances of possession and paranormal horror. By all points it should feel scattered RC: My writing is very emotional. My char- but the story flows extremely well. Was that acters are all very connected to how they intentional? feel. In fact, their magical world is based around their feelings. In Death of the Soul, RC: It’s not that gory, is it?! In all honesty, Edmund must abandon those feelings as his the Crossing Death series started off as a soul dies. Changing his world-view, strip- complicated dream I had over a series of ping out his emotions, all while leaving a re- nights. Because of that, there were a lot of latable character, has been a challenge. That holes I had to fill, and a lot of dreamlike isn’t how I operate as a person either, which sequences I had to somehow make fit. Death is why this book is taking so much time to of the Spirit (Crossing Death #2) is entirely a get written. bridge that I had to write to make the series make actual sense in the long run. A: Do new readers have some time to catch up with book one and two before three is “The idea that the bad released? guys could be redeemed, RC: I’d hoped to have book three out by the and that the good guys end of this year, but now it’s looking like didn’t always hold the a late 2017 release. Don’t let that stop you moral high ground, really from starting today, because it’s coming! challenged me.” A: Awesome! I personally can’t wait. A word of warning to our readers: these books will So while it’s the most fantasy of the books, kick you in the feels--hard. Thanks again, it’s also the one that was conceived entirely Rick! in the waking world. The flow is the result of many years reviewing the story in my head, and fit into an actual narrative without try- ing to force the more “fantastical” elements. To the tea leaves! I’d rather have the story too real, rather than too fantasy, which (side-note) is why I think it strikes a nerve with some religious fanat- ics.

25 Ashley’s Cup Rick says... There is confusion caused by a lot of changes, mixed with all your fire-y emotions. There are two paths out of the confusion. Both lead toward stability, but one is definitely the greater (easier) path, less encumbered by your own introspection. Pretty much, if you have to put in too much effort to move yourself from confusion to sta- bility, then that path, requiring so much time and effort, is not the right one. You're being warned against overthinking. Movement to stability should be easier, and even if it feels like you'd rather do this harder thing because it makes more sense in your head in the long run, the path of least resistance will get you to stability quickly and effortlessly, and from that point of stability, your path will be more clear. Ashley says...

But... I’m so good at overthinking things. Did it need to be so right?

What do you see? Tell us for a chance to win FREE tea! Rick has generously offered to supply a $20 gift card from any tea establishment of choice to whomever comes up with the best interpreta- tion of either of our cups! Post your interpretations on facebook.com/cor- diallytea or email us at [email protected]! 26 Rick’s Cup Ashley says... The guide said to start at the handle (if there is one) and go clockwise. The roman numeral 3 and the symbol for the moon came first, so I’m interpreting that as three moons or three months. The immediate danger for any projects you may be working on is in trying to make things too perfect or trying to change someone else’s stubborn personality. Once that challenge is overcome, the situation is pretty well guaranteed for ultimate success. I also see lots of different dashed travel lines coming up for you. Several short trips for business, several for just yourself. Or I’m completely wrong and should stick to drinking tea, haha. Rick says... Hmmm... Interesting. And the trips make sense. We have to leave the country fairly often.

Enter to win by Saturday, October 29th of 2016. The winner will be an- nounced on facebook on Halloween. Nothing that can easily be found on social media or Google will count, so just have fun with it! Good luck! 27 Death of the Body - available on Amazon

I grew up in a world of magic. By the time I was ten I understood nature, talked to the trees, and listened to the wind. When the kingdom of men conquered my town, I was murdered by one of my own—the betrayer of my kind. But I didn’t stay dead.

I woke to find myself in a strange new world called Los Angeles. The only keys to the life I remem- bered were my father’s ring, my unique abilities, and the onslaught of demons that seemed hell- bent on finding me. Now I must learn who I really am, protect my friends, get the girl, and find my way back to my beloved hometown of Orenda.

Death of the Spirit - available on Amazon

I have no idea who I am anymore.

In Los Angeles, I would have given anything to go home to Orenda, my world where magic was alive and nature spoke to me. Now that I’m back I feel out of place, burdened with responsibility. The hu- man part of me misses the simplicity of Earth, the mage part begs for connection with magic, and the demon part? I don’t want to admit that exists.

As the darkness inside me grows, I’ll learn to sac- rifice for the greater good, as my people have al- ways done. In order to save my family (both mage and human alike), I must face my nightmare, em- brace the demon, and descend into the shadowy world of my enemy—the Hell of the Damned.

Once there, I will have nothing left to fear but myself: Edmund Gavel, human, mage, demon... maybe monster.

28 Facade of Shadows - available on Amazon

Judas Iscariot (portrayed as the first of the un- dead), the gods and myths of ancient Egypt, and vampires all play a role in this novel of the clash between good and evil on Earth. In Façade of Shadows, the supernatural beings of Egyptian lore work together with modern-day vampire slayers to wage a pivotal battle against the dark powers of the underworld. A group of young slayers and their immortal Protector, the son of ancient gods, travel through time and space while struggling to save the population of an unsuspecting town—the first target for domination by the vampires—in a conflict that foreshadows the fate of the world. If you enjoy action, humor, tragedy, even romance involving the genre of vampires and their nemeses, this is a riveting read to add to your collection.

Delve into more mysterious works and learn about the author at...

Richard Chiantaretto was born in the year 1623 at a location that is hitherto unknown. He currently attempts to blend in with modern society to the best of his ability in Costa Rica where he makes his home with his husband, Mike, and two hell hounds. When he isn’t writing, he enjoys the occasional Bloody Mary, although a Bloody Katherine or Susan will suffice.

29 “The muses are ghosts, and sometimes they come uninvited.”

~Stephen King, Bag of Bones

30 31 Sipper’s Sipher

Across Down 3. Location of the World Tea Expo 1. Most violently treated gourd (based on seasonal 6. a drink or draft, especially one having or reputed to regularity) have medicinal, poisonous, or magical powers 2. Your tea, your way. 7. in tea leaves, coffee grounds, or wine sediments. 4. a visible incorporeal spirit, especially one of a terri- 10. OoooWOOOOooooo! ______of London fying nature; ghost; phantom; apparition. 12. ___ Death by Richard Chiantaretto 5. A divination or fortune-telling method that inter- 13. The thing your ghost drives, minus all the meat. prets 14. Allium sativum, of the amaryllis family 8. the editor’s all-time favorite Halloween movie 15. “For his gold I had no desire. I think it was his __!” 9. Genre that uses some horror elements, but can com- ~ The Tell-Tale Heart bine them with other genres 16. A) July Birthstone + B) The only member of the cat 11. an evil spirit; devil or fiend family that has a tasseled tail

32 Caption This

Best captions will be featured on our blog and facebook pages! Submit yours to facebook.com/CordiallyTea 33 34 35 photo credit: Byron G. Muench, Ghost of the Moon “Thus man is often, his own self, Who makes the night his ghost, And shrinks with horror from himself, Which is to fear the most.”

~ George Moses Horton, The Fearful Traveler in the Haunted Castle

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