I think this mug had a hard life before making its way to my kitchen. There's a stain that runs completely around the mug as if it were left sitting on its side half submerged in the sink for an extended amount of time. I think the water had to slowly evaporate creating a mineral deposit that is the stain. I've tried soap, the dishwasher, and good old fashion elbow grease but it won't come off. It's a simple but elegant mug beyond that, deep navy blue leaves set on an earthen off-white background. I personally the seamless way the leaves run to meet the rim where the blue expands and fills the inside in its rich dark color. This mug is larger than the standard coffee mug, able to hold a few extra ounces to get you going. I cant say why, but it's one of my favorites those far, and I'm an extremely curious to know how it got that stain line. Who abandoned this mug? Was it just left in the sink by a careless roommate? Did someone put it down meaning to wash it, walk out the door, and never come back? Was it rescued from a bin of rubbish that was left outside after spring cleaning? I just don't know, but I do know it has at least got my mind going this Monday morning.

This is a Gibson Elite mug. Yes, it's elite! It turns out Gibson is a major leader in the housewares market and they have two lines. The Elite brand is the refined line and the Home brand is the elegant value line. Gibson also owns a ton of other common brands Oster, Sunbeam, Crock-Pot, etc. AND this mug and likely most of Gibson's stuff is "made in China."