The story behind Tosha Tea

One of the things I remember most about my mom, Bobbi Jo Gustafson (Phillips), and my early adulthood was the gathering around the island in her kitchen just as we often do as a family in my grandma Caroline's kitchen, talking and sharing, trying recipes or sharing food, having herbal tea or on holidays, those who wanted it were offered coffee. Which is kind of funny because my dad, Thom said, "it's kind of ironic that the only time I have coffee is on the holidays at a Mormon's house." hahaha (he usually drinks dandelion root tea) Grandma always wants everyone to have what they enjoy on the holidays, within reason....

Sorry be prepared for some side stories!

Anyway the island in my mom's kitchen on S 3rd St., that was the meeting place; for the kids, the grand kids, family, and friends that were part of the family; until she couldn't stand very well anymore and now we sit with her in the living room as Parkinson's Disease creeps in on her. But 10-20 years ago I remember gathering there in her kitchen, we would check in with her and share our comings and goings, updates on our families, ideas, memories and how we were feeling. She would listen and offer love and advice and she would always have an herb from her yard, or a soup concoction or steep some herbs for us to drink that she had collected and dried. I specifically remember often she would make a tea blend and send it home for me or for a friend, based on what we shared. I know several of my close friends, Jen and Jean received tea blends because I shared with her what they were going through, she always offered her tea and prayers for them and others. For me she would make me a blend and write Tosha Tea on it each time. The jar pictured is the last jar of it I received from her about 10 years ago and I still use it from time to time to this day. She loved sharing her knowledge of herbs and plants and she is a good listener. She was a Master Gardener, Master Composter and has a vast knowledge of plants and herbs gained over the years. There were really no weeds to her, everything had a purpose and most often she could tell you what it was. I remember years ago before it was even a thing, she had people from New York buying her dried dandelion seeds and we were all like what?? She has passed down this passion to others through her kindness and education; being a listening ear, writing articles, teaching workshops and working with young adults in the culinary gardens and greenhouse at the Cascades Job Corps many years ago. Her prayers and hugs are like magic and I am proud to call her my mamma.

With love and gratitude,

Tosha

Tosha Tea

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