Wordzzle Saturday

Thank you again to Raven who thought up and runs Wordzzle! And thanks to Kit and Charly for providing such entertaining submissions! If you'd like to play, please do! Send your submission to our e-mail address:

The words this week:

Ten Word Challenge: sober, spoilage, knight, laugh and the world laughs with you, peak, blueberries, owl, drugstore, lampshade, keyboard

For the mini challenge: economy, Michael Jackson, ladder, clue, structure

Kit's

The economy of life - is often found,

in ways that we may not see..

But others might find - it's our character,

making us - what we're to be..

For life's steps takes us - forward and backwards,

like climbing, a ladder's rungs..

And with every day - we walk this path,

we recognize - new choices have begun.

For we all - have an inner knowing,

of what is wrong or right..

Yet, somehow - we never have a clue,

how to reach a greater height..

The soul's structure for our lives,

will never guide us wrong..

And, if we sit - in a quiet moment,

we can hear - our own heart-song.

A song about living - in kind-hearted ways,

where we thrive in joy and peace..

And, like Michael Jackson's - earthly gifts,

fond memories - will never cease..

Then, there are the soldiers- who fight for us,

so we may continue - our cherished ways..

So, I ask that all - who read these words,

become the essence of harmony - in coming days.

Charly's

Jonathan had to have some space as the day had been so emotional. As he walked briskly down the path he could hear the babbling-brook off to his left. Familiar sounds bringing back memories of his dad. He was soon at his destination, a spreading, old Oak tree. He found what he had come for; the tree house was still intact. The STRUCTURE was strong and seeing it, he became melancholy. He and his dad built this hideaway, a place he could play his music without disturbing the household. MICHAEL JACKSON, Bon Jovi, Billy Joel and others--if he closed his eyes he could still hear the music echoing from within the house. What a fun day it was when they built it. He could still hear the laughter as his dad had no CLUE as to where to begin. But built it, he did..with bandage thumbs from hammering he accomplished a lop-sided, covered house. The LADDER to reach the top was merely leftover lumber nailed to the tree. As the ECONOMY was doing good, this house was furnished comfortably. He and his dad had spent many quality moments as he turned from youth to manhood and learning values never to be forgotten; one is never too old to seek quiet and time with dad. How fortunately dad had taken time to share his life with him. However, time has a way of changing things. As the future arrives and you board the train of life, distances take you away from those you love. Like so many elderly the years take a toll and health deteriorates. Jonathan only remembered his dad as his mom had died at his birth. His thoughts returned to the present, and the day had been a sad one. He reflected on the events and as his eyes teared up, he felt that he was the lucky one. He arrived in time to say 'goodbye' and holding his dad's fragile hand, had bent down and whispered, I love you, I'll see you one day in another tree house.

And, since Dr. Hill is taking a vacation, something different from the blogger: We've been watching the TV Production of P.G. Wodehouse's immortal characters Bertie and Jeeves...thus the challenge story:

Jeeves surveyed the spoilage of the Bertie’s excesses with a sober mien. At the peak of the event the night before, blueberries had been flying, a lampshade had become a hat, and Bongo Little had become a knight by the ministrations of Bertie’s umbrella. Rather than using a drugstore remedy Jeeves purposefully mixed his hangover cure and offered it to the suffering young man. The effect was immediate and Bertie was back to his obnoxious self. “Laugh, Jeeves!” Bertie crowed as he guffawed, “They always say laugh and the world laughs with you!” “Very good, sir,” answered Jeeves. “No, Jeeves,” Bertie responded, “you need to echo my laugh for that to be true!” “I see, sir,” said Jeeves. He continued, “this must be an American sentiment.” “Well, dash it all, yes!” answered Bertie. “They do come up with some toppers, don’t they?” Jeeves simply observed Bertie with an owl-like expression, waiting for something intelligent to come out of Bertie’s mouth. Instead, Bertie went over to the keyboard and Jeeves heard the first notes of Minnie the Moocher begin. He turned to take the glass to the kitchen murmuring to himself, “next time an important ingredient will be no where to be found.”

And the mini:

Poor Michael Jackson, growing up with any structure in his life to guide him. It caused him to climb a show business ladder that has few safety nets. And apparently, he didn’t have a clue as to how badly he was being betrayed by those who were turning his talent into a way to fund their own personal economy.

Next Week's Ten Word Challenge will be: corn pone, delegation, nectarines, happiness, 12 going on 13, prancing horses, magenta, butterflies, fragmentary, arthritis

For the mini challenge: lavender cowboy, over the moon, preparation, zebra, area rug

/kw

Odd Lots Again

We're starting to get some interest in our Odd Lots sale. In response to some questions, here is some more information in form of FAQ's:

1. Do I really have to buy the whole box?

We won't hold you to buying the entire box, but remember, our goal here is to clear out space so we can save more great buys for the Semi Annual Used Book Sale.

2. What is a ballpark price?

The Friends always try our best to be fair in pricing. We ask that you do the same when you view the condition and quantity. Current magazines sell for .25 per in our on-going sale (although some go for .50 if they're a bit nicer). You can use that as a measurement against what you might want to offer. That said, we'd like to remind you that all monies go to support the Reston Regional Library at a time when more funds than ever are needed, so we'd love for you to be generous!

3. Do you really not want my collection of _______(fill in the blank)_________ magazine?

Unless they are vintage-valuable, no thank you. We really just cannot afford the storage. The only exception is that we will accept mint comics in bags (or mint unread comics). We have a market for those and we greatly appreciate their donation!

4. Do you have anything besides magazines?

Yes, in this photo you can see a collection of a teaching program for literature. We have the contents of the majority of 3 of these that were donated. Note that they are for West Virginia.

Also, in the other photo, a classic Mad Magazine awaits your purchase.

5. Why do I have to be a member of FRRL to participate?

We love to provide benefits to our faithful supporters. It's only $15 for a general membership and it gets you in on Friends Night for the fall and spring semi-annual sales! You can join at the same time as your purchase or by using our link here.

If you have more questions or would like to make an appointment to see the magazines, please contact us. Leave a message for Pam at the library by calling 703-689-2700 or send us an e-mail here.

/kw

Signed Virginia Woolf for Collectors

We currently have a limited edition of one of 500 copies of Street Haunting, printed by The Grabhorn Press in 1930 and signed by Virginia Woolf. The essay uses the quest to purchase a pencil as an opportunity to contrast carefree "street sauntering" with "street haunting" which hints at disturbing aspects of walking in the city.

This is No. 145 of an edition of 500, signed by the author. It has a decorative cover with green leather spine and gilt lettering. The book is tight and unmarked. The spine is somewhat rubbed at top and bottom. The lower front cover corner is bumped.

You may make an appointment to view this book by calling the library and leaving a message for Pam or Judy. The phone number is 703-689-2700. Or, you may use e-mail to contact them. Serious inquiries only, please.

The book is priced on RestonFriends1 at $1,800.

/kw

ODD LOTS FOR SALE

From time to time we receive donations of magazines in bulk. Usually they’ve been left at the back door anonymously. They’re not magazines we can resell in the front hall in our ongoing sale because of their age. Yet, they’re each a ‘collection’ of a particular magazine or genre so we’ve kept them pending a good idea.

The good idea has arrived – and it accrues to your benefit! We’re doing an “ODD LOTS” sale. This sale will be entirely by appointment only, and you must be a current Friend of Reston Regional Library (or be willing to purchase a membership) in order to participate. The way it works is that if you see a box of magazines you’d be interested in, you contact us. You can do so by e-mail or by telephoning the library and leaving a message for “Pam” telling her you’re interested in “ODD LOTS” and which box or boxes. The library phone number is 703-689-2700. You must buy an ENTIRE BOX, but since we’re selling them in bulk, we’ll make it worth your while!

Here’s the list of the LOTS.

v American Heritage Magazine, Hard Cover Issues

v Civil War Magazine

v Journal of the Steamship Historical Society of America

v National Genealogical Society Quarterly

v Renaissance Magazine

v Realm (a magazine of British history)

v Classic and Sports Car (UK publication for the classic car enthusiast

v Dwell (interior decorating magazine)

v Knitting (we have 4 boxes of these)

v Scrapbooking

v Science Fiction

v Wildlife Magazine (4 color photographs plus text in German)

v Woodworkers Journal, Wood, ShopNotes

v Woodworking

v Comics (Batman, X Men, 5 boxes mixed)

First come, first served, so don’t wait! And by the way, we didn’t ask for these kinds of donations, and we do not want more of them, but good stewardship demands that we offer them for sale rather than just throw them in the trash. Why don’t we want more? They take up a LOT of room, and we’d rather use that for storing the books you love to buy at the Semi Annual Used Book Sale.

/kw

Simply MARVEL-ous

Our RestonFriends1 storefront has something for you comic book fans this week. This is only three of the many posted -- go to the site to see them all. Don't wait, as these won't last!

House of M: Incredible Hulk finds Bruce Banner living peacefully amongst the Aborigines in Australia. But you know Hulk, something's gonna tick him off...own the story in your own copy for $22 from RestonFriends1.

House of M by Brian Michael Bendis and Oliver Coipel. Does not appear to have been read. $12.50 at RestonFriends1.

Green Lantern: Baptism of Fire by Ron Marz. Tells the story of Kyle Rayner as Green Lantern. This copy appears to be new, unread. It is $24 on RestonFriends1.

If you're a big fan of X-Men and Batman, you should know that we have a couple of boxes of comics sitting in our annex waiting for you to buy them! If you are a current Friends member (or would like to become one), you can make an appointment to review them for purchase. Leave your name and number at the Reston Regional Library for "Pam" and mention "Comics". She'll get back to you as soon as she can. Call 703-689-2700.

/kw

From The FCPS Reading List

The blogger's rising middle schooler had to choose a book for a summer reading project for school. Looking at the list, the blogger thought he might enjoy London Calling by Edward Bloor and picked it up at Reston Regional Library. The young man loves history and the book plug said it was set in WWII. In the meantime, the young reader found a different book, also on the list, which he liked. The blogger didn't have anything new to read over the weekend, so picked up London Calling in order to do a Monday review. Now the blogger is glad her son found a different book on his own.

In London Calling, Martin is a middle-school aged boy living in the U.S.who inherits a WWII era radio from his grandmother. He hooks it up just to listen to the white noise of static and begins time traveling as a boy named Jimmy, living in London during the blitz, asks for his help.

Concurrently, Martin has a big problem at the private school he attends that involves privileged kids, injustice, and manufactured myths about the founder. Martin's own father is absent more than present because he's an alcoholic.

Martin ends up getting suspended from school and thus able to work on an 'independent study' project which, of course, involves the radio. This enables him to do extensive research into the subject of the radio which brings him into a position of being able to debunk the myth of the school founder. It also allows him to heal the relationship with his father as much as possible and even with his mother who finally understands why Martin should not attend that particular private school. And, of course, it enables him to help Jimmy.

The original premise of this story is very good. The additional emotional junk is a unnecessary. Why publishers think teens need more angst than they already manufacture in their lives is a mystery. It is so difficult to stay well-balanced during the middle school years. Perhaps they think reading about other people their age who are experiencing upheaval will make them feel better. Unfortunately, for some kids like the blogger's son, it makes them suspicious of reading any fiction published since 1975. It is very telling that one of the Amazon reviews that gives this book 5 stars starts, "London Calling is one of the most emotionally wrenching YA books I've had the pleasure to read in the past year." Exactly -- that's fine for an adult, but the target readers here are kids!

If the 12-13 year old male in your life likes angst and drama and enjoys reading about time travel and this period of time, this is a good book. For others, this is a reminder that many boys this age cut way back on their reading, which does not serve them in the long run.

/kw

Wordzzle Saturday!

Charly and Kit continue to delight us! And Dr. Hill is back. If you're wondering how to play, go here. If you don't have a blog of your own to post on, just send it to FRRL by e-mail and we'll post it for you here!

The words for this week's ten word challenge were: Florida, spit, child bride, operatic, busy, holding pattern, sunflowers, ginger jars, office, superintendent: For the mini challenge:music to my ears, plot, powerful, braggart, super model

A Mini From Kit:

Sitting quietly unperturbed, I listen,

as music from other spheres..

Flowing purity of melodious tones,

bring music to my ears..

And, the powerful feelings that arise,

when heavenly chords, I hear..

I know without a single doubt,

I have, no earthly forms to fear.

For fear itself is nothing more,

than a plot to attack us all..

A way of lessoning deeper thoughts,

so we fail to hear the call..

The call to help one another,

as we breathe and live each day..

It's a braggart's way to create,

a deception along life's way.

So, let's all become a super model,

persons, who can be admired..

Be individuals who are willing to guide,

those with dreams desired..

For all of us have been given much,

and now it's our time to share..

And by sharing love without fear,

it will prove just how much we care.

A Mini From Charly:

As I drift in thought, I'm taken back to days when we would sit on the leeve, gazing at the Atchafalaya River, pondering what life held in store for us, a group of three teenage girls. The sound of the barges as they quietly passed under the railroad trestle, was MUSIC TO MY EARS; what a peaceful time it was. On a beautiful, sunny day watching the flowing water swiftly pass us by, we would PLOT how we would become a SUPER MODEL, become famous, and makea lot of money; some saw us as a BRAGGART; dreamers were we all. But dreams have a way of becoming reality and the paths one takes can be POWERFUL..what a blessing to have such freedom to choose. My thoughts continue to wander, but I hear applause thus bringing me out of my reverie and I realize it's time for me to speak. As the applause continues, I walk to the stage and on reaching the podium, I hear, 'Ladies and Gentlemen, I present the President of the United States. As I look among the crowd, I think, what a great country we live in....Good evening everyone, I'm so pleased to be with you tonight...

The challenge from the blogger:

Dr. Hill woke to an OPERATIC tenor voice wafting the call to prayer. Looking around he discovered he was in a pleasant room that was obviously used as an OFFICE. There was a computer and fax machine, and on the shelf next to the desk, two GINGER JARS held several bright SUNFLOWERS, giving a cheery note to the room. He pushed himself up from the sofa he was lying on and walked over to a window. Pushing the curtain aside he looked down into a courtyard. His little friend Laila was there, tending to a SPIT over a fire, upon which roasted some kind of meat. Hill’s stomach growled as he realized it had been hours since he had eaten. Just then, Laila looked up and saw him, grinned delightedly, and waved to him.

He waved back and then went back to sit on the sofa. He started thinking about what had transpired earlier in the day. Tanks in the marketplace…yes, that was right. “Well,” he thought, “if there’s a government crackdown going on I’m in a HOLDING PATTERN to try to get out of here and back to FLORIDA where I belong.” As he thought along these lines there was a soft tap at the door. In response to his assent, the door opened and a young couple stood there. “Dr. Hill, you are our honored guest,” the woman said in perfect English. “I am Yasmin, Laila’s mother.” The young woman looked to be no older than 15 herself and Hill found himself assuming she had been a CHILD BRIDE. “This is my husband Mohsin.” Mohsin didn’t look much older.

“How did I get here?” he asked. “I mean, I know I was following Laila, but then everything goes black and then I wake up here.” Mohsin answered, “yes, Laila was bringing you home for safekeeping but you got tangled up in some laundry in an alley. You fell and hit your head. She ran to us and my brother helped me bring you here to recover.”

“Why was Laila so insistent on me coming here for safekeeping?” Hill asked. Yasmin replied, “Mohsin asked her to get you. He is a SUPERINTENDENT in the Ministry of Antiquities. He knew there would be an action against your project this morning.”

“But won’t you lose your job?” Hill wondered looking at Mohsin. “Perhaps,” he replied. He smiled diffidently. “Ours is a difficult culture in which to live trouble-free. For me it is a debt of honor. My father worked at the U.S. Embassy during the revolution. An American archeologist risked his own career to get my father out of Iran to the U.S. He was suspect because he had been working for the Americans. Because of the kindness of this archeologist, my father was able to study in California and raise our family there. That man’s name was Dr. Lemuel Parker. I regret to say that he passed away last year.”

“My mentor!” Dr. Hill exclaimed. “Yes, you spoke of him often to Laila and she spoke of him to us. Once I made the connection, I knew I could not let your work end in embarrassment and expulsion.” Mohsin said. “Dr. Parker always respected our culture in his work. You have continued that observation.”

Hill couldn’t resist asking, “how did you two meet?”

Mohsin answered, “I grew up in the Bay area. Yasmin and I met at Stanford.”

Hill asked, “then why . . .?” and gestured to the area around him. “Why did we come back here?” Mohsin asked. “We wanted our child to know her heritage and other family members and the country was stable. Our English is good, so we had no trouble with employment.”

Hill marveled, “so what’s next?”

Yasmin laughed, “Dinner! Laila has been helping cook, so she insists that we eat before it all gets cold. She’s a bit strong-willed. Then we will figure out how to get you out of the country without the notice of the authorities.”

Hill brightened, “I have just the thing!” He dug in his bag and pulled out a can of clam chowder. The expression on Yasmin’s face was priceless. He chuckled, “it isn’t as bad as the label promises.” Carefully he unscrewed the top of the can and took out some padding. As he emptied the can he pulled out a small paper twist. Opening it, he showed Yasmin and Mohsin six perfect small diamonds. “Yes,” Yasmin breathed, “I think those will solve your problem and probably ours as well.”

“Your problem?” Hill inquired.

“Later. Let us eat,” answered Mohsin.

Next Week's Ten Word Challenge will be: sober, spoilage, knight, laugh and the world laughs with you, peak, blueberries, owl, drugstore, lampshade, keyboard

For the mini challenge: economy, Michael Jackson, ladder, clue, structure

/kw