July is disability pride month! Meghan celebrates her pride with a poem about the ups and downs of disability. Pride How do you have pride in something, That from the moment you take your fi… Read More

A woman with CP discusses how she identifies with the ‘Introducing, Selma Blair’ documentary. A beautiful & honest depiction of disability. I recently watched Introducing, Se… Read More

When this started we were all in this together. In our rush to the Covid finishing line are we creating bigger problems and further division? For almost two years we’ve been faced with… Read More

Playing games on rainy days is fun and can bring families closer together. Find out which games my family and I chose to play on a rainy day. It has been a wet fall here in London, Ontario… Read More

In honour of Hallowe’en (my favourite holiday), I thought I’d try to flex the creative muscles and write a little ghost story. ~ Ghosts Some short months after the pandemic is fi… Read More

A young toddler’s intro to literature with a pile of Little Golden Books. Memories of a busy family and sneaking away to read. Let’s welcome Nancy to Empress Tea! This is her fir… Read More

Small businesses and their livelihood need to be nurtured more than ever before. It’s time we take a good look at what happens when you leave a negative review. I often tell my kids th… Read More

Back after a short break, Meghan shares her new podcast on disability rights and representation. Listen to ‘Not Enough Air Time’ with us! ~ Hi everyone! I’m back! I took a… Read More

Travel plays an important role in the life and sanity of many. But Covid-19 concerns make travel during a pandemic both satisfying and worrying. On July 31, 2021 for the first time in almost… Read More

Would you rather get your covid vax while grooving to the music, or in a quiet location? Here’s where my son and I differ on pop-up clinics! If you had the choice, where would you want… Read More

After a brief hiatus, Bridget shares her close-to-home adventures in Hong Kong from the past month. The director of possibilities is baaack! Happy summer everyone!!!! Sorry we’ve been… Read More

Writing this book for all kids, Northern Princess, with a message to share and an idea that touches my heart. It feels like ages ago I read an article about a Father who would enjoy tea part… Read More

A writer’s festival, an open mic, and jumping out of the comfort zone to read her own piece for an evening of erotica and sensuality. This weekend was the annual NorthWords Writers Fes… Read More

Read on for the ways inflation blows in 2021. Tiny home plans officially aborted as construction prices have doubled in the last 3 months! The end of my dream…for now I had given in m… Read More

Last week we got the new iPad Pro. And besides setting it up, one of the first things I wanted to do was test drive digital painting on the new iPad. Why we Decided to Get a new iPad My husb… Read More

Time for a birthday staycation with the dog! There’s no big parties these days so you might as well treat yourself to a fancy hotel stay. It’s my birthday! Now for the good news/… Read More

What is the cheapest & most efficient remedy for reducing stress? Discover the best way to release your anxiety and your emotional baggage… We are constantly inundated with emotio… Read More

Time for her second vaccine, & combating her needle phobia, afterwards this empress felt a little bit different than most people describe. Over the past couple of months, my social feeds… Read More

This mother was vaccine hesitant about Covid-19. She unpacks her fears and finds out more about the Moderna vaccine before making a decision. Just minutes ago, I was sitting in a once empty… Read More

Here are three ways I’m changing my habits and committing to a more eco-friendly lifestyle in honor of Earth Day 2021. Lately, I’ve been on a Netflix documentary binge, watching… Read More

Life during Covid-19 really sucks especially if you loose a loved one. Here are a few helpful ways for managing loss in these difficult times. March 31st marks exactly one month since I lost… Read More

Celiac disease, the life-changing diagnosis we received only ten days before my daughter’s 9th birthday. Now we learn, one day at a time. “May you always serve cake in the face o… Read More

Avoiding discussions of sex & disability are a proven disservice to the community. Candidness about sex is essential for our health & safety. Sex is a taboo topic anyway, and once yo… Read More

Have you lost your creativity and wonder when it will come back? Stress, boredom, and cold winter months can seriously zap our creative spark. I’m not feeling very creative lately. The… Read More

Growing restless due to the latest Covid lockdown Canadians are finding freedom by going north and going tiny. New cottage owners! As most of the world’s population is feeling it, my c… Read More

My team of BFFs each ordered an undated Legend Planner for 2021. Then we promptly got to work decorating & organizing to our hearts content. Many years ago I received a gift in the mail… Read More

The year 2021 is here but we can’t expect it to be better without buckling down and working hard to turn our collective misfortunes around. It’s official. The year 2020 is over a… Read More

Your quick poetry challenge, should you choose to accept it, is to write a poem in six lines or less. Share your creations in the comments! Taking advantage of the free poetry classes offere… Read More

Some Christmas’ are rough and some are bountiful. Here is my pandemic Christmas gift list and how I’m paying my bounty forward. All I want this Christmas is… everything I… Read More

What a crazy year, if it’s not Covid-19 it’s managing coping strategies for election stress. Who knew one election could be so stressful? I can barely describe how much of a stre… Read More

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. To celebrate, Meghan interviews one of her favorite little people, her niece, Lux. People, let me tell you ‘bout my best friend… one of… Read More

Entering midlife with eyes wide open. For some it’s a crisis for others it’s a battle. Aging has never been a big deal for me…. until now. Midlife, in crisis, realizing no… Read More

As crazy as life seems right now, the best escape from reality is with a good book–especially a steamy romance. Here are Meghan’s top favs… In today’s world of gener… Read More

Some people planted seeds and are now enjoying their harvest. Others, sow metaphorical seeds for future use, once Covid-19 has passed. I’ve been thinking about the harvest a lot lately… Read More

After months of being in Tokyo, we finally took a weekend trip to Nasu, Tochigi. Last week, Amber shared her rejuvenating mom break. So for this week, I thought I’d share our weekend i… Read More

Change is overwhelming, but sometimes we have to plug through, until we can’t anymore. Today, self care comes in the form of a mom break! There comes a point, in every pandemic, that a… Read More

Return to school during Covid-19 or try homeschooling? Both scenarios are making parents lose sleep – and hair – across the globe. THE GREAT DEBATE How many of you are sending yo… Read More

The feared phrase, ‘I’m fat,’ shrouded in hatred and shame by females of all ages, explored in poetry form. Sadly, children are inheriting our body issues. Body Blow a poem… Read More

You might have missed that July was Disability Pride Month. Time to celebrate differences & highlight the challenges disabled people face every day. ~ I learned something new recently &n&hell…Read More

These past six months have flown by, leaving many of us feeling a bit stuck. So, let’s take a step back and reflect on goal setting during covid-19. I can’t believe it’s al… Read More

Filling her mind listening to amazing books, Bridget shares her favourites. Some comedic, some serious, all of them are about our struggles as humans. As a treat, and because a good offer ca… Read More

A working Mom, during a pandemic is a challenge. A working Mom who needs a bit of peace so she can write, that’s another story. Pandemic haiku it is! Feeling a little unfocused. Consta… Read More

Check out my reading suggestions for white allies. We need to make space for “own voices”, listen, and help drive change. There is much work to be done. There’s a lot going… Read More

Fighting fibromyalgia for many years, Klarissa welcomes the slow pacing of physical distancing that comes with Covid-19. Now recharged after slowing down. Five years ago I became very ill. I… Read More

It’s summertime—which means vacation! But since travel is on hold, what can you do? Here are 8 travel-inspired staycation ideas! Like many of you, I feel in need of a vacation&md&hell…Read More

Making covid art while stuck at home, Bridget’s coronavirus tea art is shortlisted for the 2020 Hong Kong Human Rights Prize. When Covid-19 first threatened the borders of Hong Kong we… Read More

In Yellowknife the community is taking extra precautions to avert Covid-19. Here you will find resources for emerging wisely in the Northwest Territories. Emerging Wisely into our first phas… Read More

Physical distancing getting you down? Meghan reminds us to take a moment to remember 5 good things that happened today… After weeks of social distancing, lockdowns, quarantines, and i… Read More

This Covid-19 pandemic has been quite the test of normality and mental stability. Here’s a little solace for those times you’re not okay. Full disclosure: today, I am okay. Howev… Read More

Staying eco in quarantine and French-approved, homemade baguettes—bon appétit! These past few months have been unlike anything our generation has seen. Naturally, during this pa… Read More

Keep your mask safe in a mask holder, free template and instructions to DIY included, then laugh a little with us to blow off some coronavirus stress. As the Pandemic marches on, I keep doin… Read More

She thought things were going well and then the isolation set in. Here’s a little social distancing humour from one mom about her little co-workers… ~ I thought I was doing well… Read More

An enlightening Q&A with a Canadian student struggling with her university. Having to advocate for herself, she fights for accessible lessons. ~ I first met Bailey Coty through a mutual… Read More

The Covid-19 pandemic is trapping us all indoors for the foreseeable future. Read advice from an introvert to keep you happy while you avoid other humans. ~ The world is banding together &nd&hell…Read More

Dealing with Covid-19 since mid-January, you can check out Bridget’s perspective from Hong Kong in the form of art, entertainment, and a few choice words. Living right next door to Chi… Read More

Dazzle crowds on International Women’s Day – and future events, with 5 inspired tips for the fashion forward disabled woman. Every woman wants to feel stylish, trendy, and beauti… Read More

Taking baby steps toward her creative goal, Myranda is putting herself out there! Open mic night on stage, sharing her words in a crowded room. When I set my creative goal this year, I set i… Read More

If you’ve ever been startled by your age, worry you’re already running out of time, or wonder if you’re a tad time obsessed, this one’s for you. It is with heavy hear… Read More

A healthy hate for New Year resolutions, but taking the time to contemplate what needs to stay and what needs to go in 2020. I hate resolutions. They feel as contrived as a box of chocolates… Read More

Planning ambitious creative goals for 2020, Myranda lays out a few specific actions to keep her on track for the rest of the year. Every New Year’s Eve, I try to set myself up so I&rsq&hell…Read More

Give yourself a free pass to kick off 2020. The next decade with go forth without predictions, and living life in the moment one baby step at a time. As the New Year approached I found mysel… Read More

Contemplating choices for 2020 and the next decade. My two halves, battling it out as the New Year approaches. Who will win? Swimming in possibility. A new year dawning with new opportunitie… Read More

Gift giving can be such a chore, a source of stress, and a huge waste of money. Will Lem end up buying panic induced presents again this year? This Christmas, for various reasons, I found my… Read More

Myranda shares a few of her favourite photos from her invigorating trip to Europe; 5 weeks, 10 countries, epic adventures. I recently spent five weeks in Europe, snapping photographs at ever… Read More

An allegory expressing the sadness of a brother’s death where dad becomes the caretaker, and his children, priceless masterpieces of God. I often express my feelings about things I can… Read More

A big week for Hong Kong, democracy wins big in the District Council Election on Sunday. On Monday the city felt lighter, and we continue to stay strong. A few weeks ago the sadness of the H… Read More

Welcome the 19th Assembly, where a record number of female candidates are elected in the Northwest Territories! Also the only female Premiere across Canada. Dear: 19th Assembly of the Northw… Read More

The quantity of friends you have doesn’t matter, it’s more important to have real ones. This is the story about finding one best friend, and then a second. What is a friend? A si… Read More

Travelling on a whirlwind European adventure, Myranda is surprised to see so much female representation and takes a moment to be inspired by women and art. I’m about a week in to a fiv… Read More

In an exploration of human rights, this Hong Kong artist puts paint to canvas to express the dichotomy of freedom. What does it mean to really be free? Hong Kong is my home and, as the world… Read More

When acting on a fantasy doesn’t go as planned, try taking a creative approach. It could give you the control you need to fulfill your romantic desires. We all have desires and fantasi… Read More

A Mark Twain style adventure about a main character with Down Syndrome. A real story about life with disability, friends, and heart. Upon seeing the trailer for The Peanut Butter Falcon I wa… Read More

Recently, a friend of mine asked for help. Summer was rough for her and her partner – for a number of reasons – including a tragic death in the family. Feeling overwhelmed, she r… Read More

As summer turns into fall, it’s the season for changing focus. Back to school for some, a lifestyle change for others. Hoping September brings less chaos! Turning. Constant turning as… Read More

Have you ever heard of inspiration porn? It is one of the irritating social burdens that individuals with disabilities have to face on a regular basis. You want to know something I hate? I m… Read More

Starting the year well with self-care at the forefront, but then handed a big bushel of life’s lemons – another miscarriage and the depression that follows. I’m letting you… Read More

While getting ready to visit Turkey Point, Amber stumbles upon a 13 year old article she wrote about this beachside vacation town. How times change! We were spending the weekend at my parent… Read More

TV shows showcasing characters and performers with disabilities, like Speechless, aren’t easy to find and they keep getting cancelled. When was the first time you saw yourself or somet… Read More

Mural painting for a new nail & lash salon, Bridget shares her painting woes and a timelapse of her creative ingenuity. I’m overdue to show you the mural I completed a few months a… Read More

Inspired on vacation to Vancouver Island, poetry flows from this avid traveller. A call to the ocean with bittersweet reflections on travel & belonging. I don’t usually write poetr… Read More

While taking a writing workshop, Amber writes a mesmerizing piece about losing flesh in a metaphorical desert. Recently, Yellowknife hosted their annual literary festival, Northwords. I took… Read More

It’s a no makeup workplace experiment! Myranda stops wearing makeup for a week. Do her coworkers notice or should she quit wearing makeup forever? A few weeks ago, I came across a Tele… Read More

Contemplating getting older and societal pressures, Meghan also dishes out helpful advice 15-year-old girls with a disability. I’ll be thirty-five in June, and it’s totally messi… Read More

A short story in the time it takes to travel a few stations and head to the Yokohama train. This short story has been lying around my hard drive since 2012. I can’t remember the reason… Read More

The kids are headed to school full time. Now mom is searching for flexible work hours. But what direction should she take? When we had kids, my husband and I agreed that I would stay home wi… Read More

Disabled people are not zoo attractions. And it’s certainly not headline news when your best friend pushes the wheelchair. Disabled people are normal people. The title of this post sho… Read More

The awesomeness of opening night of Avengers: Endgame, opining about the maturation of the Marvel Universe, and how it relates to the world. [NO SPOILERS, don’t worry!] Last night I sa… Read More

Contemplating friendship, ruminating on how it changes and grows, and celebrating its strength and power. Best friends forever! For the recent Empress Tea group post, I submitted a picture o… Read More

What are they drinking & why are they drinking it? Discover our ladies tea drinking habits along with a tea selfie for your viewing pleasure! April 11th marks Empress Tea’s 7th bir… Read More

Are we allowed to be sad about early pregnancy loss? And is there a reason we don’t share news of our pregnancies & discuss miscarriages freely? Full disclaimer: this one’s b… Read More

First featured on Empress Tea, Amber’s short story about Niamh has evolved into a published novella. Her thoughts on ‘The Becoming’ and where to find it. When asked what Th… Read More

Coining a new term, this Empress considers herself “art adjacent” as she tackles painting in all it’s glory–& gory! I love art. I am also exceedingly bad at it. P… Read More

Happy Year of the Teacup Pig! It’s the Year of the Earth Pig so a new creative illustration honours our oinky little friends and our love of tea. Hello everybody and happy Year of the… Read More

I certainly expected some embarrassment when sorting through my archive of old photos, but a touch of perspective was a nice bonus. I’ve had my current laptop for nine years–I th… Read More

How she changed should to want! One woman’s story of examining her relationship with self-care (her self-care job!) because easing into a new habit can be quite daunting. New Year, new… Read More

Reflections of a mother as her son turns five. She shares her life secrets and looks forward to the day he is ready to trust her motherly words of advice. It is not because you’re five… Read More

They say home is where the heart is but after travelling the world sometimes it just feels really nice to get back to your own place, and your own bed. It’s probably no surprise that I… Read More

A little female spark of inspiration to start the year off with positive vibes! Some of our favourite things created by fabulously dynamic women… We made it! It’s 2019 and I don… Read More

Sometimes you get all the back luck at once–like surgery times two to the power of–you’ve got to be kidding me! Happy moments & creative vibes help. I’ve had… Read More

Starting archery on a whim as something to occupy her personal time, little did she know that only a couple of months later, archery would save her sanity. Editor’s Note: We’re t… Read More