This Post comes in from Garett Awad a driven entreprenuer at TOMS Shoes changing the lives of children around the world one step at a time…

I work with a socially driven shoe company called TOMS shoes, and for every pair we sell, we give a pair of shoes to children in need around the world. We have given around 65,000 pairs of shoes since 2006 and plan on giving an estimated 200,000 pairs away in 2008.

This past March we had an event in La Jolla Beach, CA. The event was centered around the idea of giving back and soothing one’s self in the busy world that we live. At the event we had foot massages, live acoustic music, and of course a great tea tasting from the Art of Tea.

The flavorful teas that were brought by Art of Tea contributed to the cultured experience that was enjoyed by the guests that night. It is rare to experience a tea tasting, and for many it was their first time. It was wonderful to explain the back story on all of the teas to the attendees, contributing further to the overall experience of the night. Many asked where they could find the tea and said it was some of the best tea they had ever had before. It was a great addition and one we hope to include with more events in the future.

Political RealiTEA,

As most Americans sit helplessly and watch the economy continue to spiral as the price of gas and food skyrocket out of sight, the thought occurs, “What are our political leaders going to do to right the course?” Does it really matter who wins this coming November? Now we’re not advocating heresy or overthrowing our existing form of government, but when you sit back and really think about it, isn’t tea the answer?

Tea is good for you. It makes you feel warm and good inside. Couldn’t we just closely examine tea, which come from the simple Camellia Sinensis shrub, and extract from it its best qualities? Are you with me? Do you get where I’m going? Do I have to spell it out? Okay, here goes.

What I’m suggesting is that we leave McCain, Obama and Clinton in the dust and for our own new political organization. The TEA PARTY, a form of government based only on what is good for all of us, all human beings, be we black, white, yellow, red or brown. Come to think of it, we are already almost like tea. We come with different outsides, but we are all the same, just like the tea. Who will step forward? Who will lead us? That is an answer I do not as yet have, but there must be one or more among us who exemplifies all that is good about humaniTEA. A leader who can exhibits these venerable qualities and attributes and can explain them in a way every American voter can understand.

If you are out there, step up and lead us. Ignite the Tea Party. Ignite the fire that all Americans possess and show the world what TEA is really all about. Let us know what you think and if you’re ready to join.