Wordzzle Saturday No More

The three of us from Friends of Reston Regional Library who have been doing wordzzles want to thank Raven and Dr. John and the Dragons, and Argent, and Pixie and everyone else who plays for being so gracious in your praise of our past efforts.  We have enjoyed stretching our brains and reading your submissions each week.

We joined in attempting to get our Friends members to play along, but it did not prove to be a lasting marriage with anyone else, so we have decided to use our time doing other things, like sorting books, pricing books, selling books, and cleaning our houses.  Okay, not that last one, but the book stuff anyway.

Thanks everyone!

Kit, Charly and the Blogger

Sorry for the delay in linking this today.  We have been without power since 3 this morning.  It finally just came back on.  Thank you Lord for HEAT!

Wordzzle Saturday

t's Saturday, so it's time to publish the Wordzzles! The blogger is taking a break this week, but Kit and Charly are in their usual stride, with just a bit of mischief in Kit's. To play with us it is simple. Write a short paragraph, poem, story with the 5, 10, or all 15 words Raven provides. On Saturday, you publish and link to her. Raven can be found at Raven's Nest.

WIthout further ado, here they are:

Charly

In the Enchanted Gardens Amusement Park, the CHARMING VICTORIAN garden was in bloom. Flowers of all shades were aglow as the sun was setting and the fragrance was beyond belief. Off in the distance a TOWER could be seen and the sound of a train returning to the entrance bringing patrons back for the park would soon be closing. Off to the side under a tree near the RAILROAD TRACKS sat a cat. Spice, the resident cat whose coat was SALT & PEPPER in coloring. He was known as a daredevil in the cat world and as such, was using up his 9-lives with abandonment. As the vibration on the ground got stronger, old Spice moved closer to the tracks. As he sat, his tail swished side to side watching in anticipation of the arrival of the train. While waiting to make the mad dash across the tracks, he recalled the story of his uncle who had also been a daredevil and had met his fate from just such an action. The train coming around the bend drew closer and was sounding the whistle. He heard a dog's bark in the distance between the whistle sounds. As he positioned himself to dart in front of the train, he could hear his mother's voice 'CURIOSITY KILLED THE CAT!'....Did it? Not this day. Spice turned his head just as the train was approaching and saw that the dog was practically upon him..being more afraid of the big, hairy dog looming before him than playing adventurer, he turned, tucked his tail, and scooted up the tree. He might be a daredevil, but he didn't like dogs; especially big ones.

KIT

They say, 'curiosity killed the cat',

but, I'm here - to tell you true..

This week's words - almost 'killed' Kit,

as she wrote them - for your view..

For, like the lady - who sits at the hearth,

in the lovely and - charming Victorian home..

Kit sat and stared - out of her tower-window,

wondering where - the rhyming words had flown.

But, like the trains - on the railroad tracks,

keep chugging along - this poem will soon be done..

And, if her salt & pepper hair - just turned silver,

What the heck, she's had - a bit, of morning fun..

So, when life throws you - 'hard' words or curves,

don't let them get you down - or worry what others think..

Accept results and know - you did the best you could,

Just as Kit did with these words - that truly 'stink'.

Words for next week's 10-word challenge are: officer, candid, drowning, turtles, sugar-coated, prospecting, shame on you, reclinder, luggage, brains

And for the mini: paragon of virtue, cats-in-the-cradle, swamp, sprinkles, garbage

Wordzzle Saturday

If you've been here before, you know the drill. Raven at Views From Raven's Nest provides the words, and the players make short stories or paragraphs with them. Apologies to the dragons -- the blogger's story is a bit long. Ah well... If you'd like to join us, please do!

KIT:

The silver-tongued bandit - entered a home one night,

only to discover - that he was not alone..

In front of a fireplace - sitting on the carpet,

a girl was eating French fries - relaxed by a phone..

She was apparently reading - from a book of braille,

as her fingers moved swiftly - across the page..

Silently turning, walking quietly - he left the home,

with a heart that was heavy - and filled with self-rage.

His life of crime - now brought feelings of anger,

of how he'd taken - everything in life for granted..

There are no free estimates - for life or sight,

in his mind, new thoughts - were being planted..

He realized in this moment - his life had turned around,

and he felt a feeling - of gratefulness for that..

And all because - he'd seen this blind girl living,

a life of courage - he knew his life was now on track.

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CHARLY:

Aboard the SLEEK clipper ship, FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE, SURFACE TENSION was building among the crew. Heavy rains had waves breaking over the rails and the ship's motion moving BACKWARDS and forwards kept the crew alert. Mother Nature's PLUMBER was not on call to stop the flow of this furious storm causing havoc. The drenched PARROT chained to a mast kept calling out, “there's A CHILL WIND A' BLOWING, drink from the WATERING HOLE, the watering hole”--though it was faint at times due to sounds being drowned out by the wind. The crew's TRIPLETS were ready to release the dang bird because of all the squawking he was doing. As the winds calmed down, and the ship became steady once again, cargo was checked as well as the guns stationed along the rails. Captain Jack received cheers from his crew and all but one young apprentice sought his AUTOGRAPH. The lone apprentice quietly walked up to the captain, took his hand and beaming up at him said, “well done, Father'!” The captain smiling down at his son thought, “your mother would have killed me had I not bought you back safely”...With calmed seas, they were homeward bound.

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BLOGGER:

Danae worked feverishly to record on her laptop the story Miz Trent was telling. She couldn’t capture the dialect, but she tried to be faithful to the words.

“My late husband was a plumber as was his father before him, but long ago, my husband’s people were sea-faring people. For black people there was not much hope for happiness on the land around here, so they went to sea. Life was rough, but there was a certain justice in knowing that everybody was subject to the same kind of punishment if the ship foundered. One of the boys who went to sea was name Reynaud. He was the middle of three brothers who looked so much alike that people thought they were triplets. They all loved to tinker with their hands. One season when they were out Reynaud created a device that stopped the backwards run across the pulleys during storms. They used it on their vessel and the captain was very grateful. One night while Reynaud was on watch he heard the watch called, “A chill wind’s a blowing!” He knew his device would come in handy that evening. As everyone moved around double-checking the rigging, Reynaud removed the crew’s parrot from its perch and took it below. As he returned to the deck he felt an eerie calm around the ship, not anything like a storm. Sailors anxiously observed the surface tension of the swells, unfamiliar with the sensation they were all sharing. Suddenly, a sleek shape began to emerge from the depths on the port side of the ship. It was the biggest right whale any of them had ever seen. They all cheered. If they could kill this one and get it to port they’d all be rich enough to live in watering holes all winter, without having to go back out again. It was Reynaud’s job to shoot the harpoon gun into the perfect place to kill the whale. But just as he was ready to fire, the whale rolled and looked at him. In its eye Reynaud saw an intelligence and gravity beyond anything he’d ever seen before. He felt the reproach and sorrow emanating from the huge creature. He stayed his hand, and didn’t fire. His crewmates went crazy. He was pulled back and thrown away from the gun and another took over and fired. The shot went wild and the whale slipped back beneath the sea.

After beating him severely, they confined Reynaud to the brig and kept him there until the next port. They put him ashore in Boston. He was hurt and hungry when a young Florence Nightingale took him in. Not the real one, you understand, but a young nurse. When he was well enough, she connected him with her father, an eminent lawyer whose autograph appears on the Declaration of Independence. He saw the brilliance of Reynaud’s design and wanted to help him sell it. Reynaud didn’t want to hold the patent himself because he didn’t think he’d be able to enforce it, so he took a large cash payout, enough to buy a farm back home. He asked the young lady to come with him as his wife. She agreed, much to the consternation of her father who feared what kind of life a young white woman and a young black ex-sailor could have together. But the couple persevered and headed south. By the time they arrived here, she was carrying their first child – those are the bones in the closet. But that’s another story and I’m tired.”

“Will you come see me tomorrow?” she asked Danae. The young woman tucked a blanket in around Miz Trent’s legs and said, “Wild horses couldn’t keep me away!”

The words for next week: cute, come with me to the Casba, bloodhound, respiration, Facebook, Canada Geese, modern, gravity, spider webs, sea shells

The mini: curiosity killed the cat, charming Victorian, railroad tracks, tower, salt and pepper

Wordzzle Saturday!

Wordzzle is a game hosted by Raven at Views from Raven’s Nest. She gives us 15 words and the goal is to use them in a paragraph, or very short story. You can use 5 for the mini, 10 for the challenge or 15 for the mega. It’s fun and gets the gray cells working, so join us for a try!

The blogger believes that “hoisted on her own petard” describes her effort this week. Since she provided these words, she can’t moan about how difficult they are. She just hopes that fellow players are full of forgiveness today! Especially Kit and Charly, who both managed to do something productive with them!

Kit:

Life is like - an origami art form,

when enfoldment - in souls begin..

The individual path - we often follow,

may lead to - what others, call 'sin'..

I like to think however - it's only a matter,

of how we reacted - to a played-out theme..

For on this stage called life - with each step,

we're always searching - for the perfect dream.

Yet, like the dung beetle - feeds on waste,

we many times feed - on un-pure thoughts..

And then, instead - of joy and laughter,

there are tears - our actions have brought..

If we could become - as the cheerleader.

perfecting routines - that they must learn..

By changing our ways - to an abstemious lifestyle,

life is enhanced - like chlorophyll enhances the fern.

Charly:

Streetlights casting a glow on wet pavement, presented an eerie feeling along the street in the wee hours of dawn. Drops of rain falling from trees with limbs spreading across the road, were hitting parked vehicles as if ROLLING OFF A LOG. Reporters and late-night wanderers were among the curious as they watched the cleanup. Having used the foam process, the HAZ-MAT crew, hauling hoses about for several hours, was almost completed with the task of cleaning up the remains of this toxic spill. On responding to this call they had discovered several of the CUSTOMIZE suits had been PERFORATED and they had to be replaced before tackling the mission. They were INCENSED for the lost of time and knew the captain was having a CONNIPTION fit knowing full well his old CONNIVING nemesis, who used the code name SIDEWINDER, was responsible for the delay. On several occasions, he had received BOGUS calls from this unknown figure. With ZEAL, the captain lived for the day he would be caught; unfortunately, a mystery yet to be solved. With the exception of the noise of hoses being drawn back into the truck, the sound of silence prevailed. Reporters have gone to prepare tomorrow's headlines, spectators have continued their journey to somewhere, and the crew showing signs of weariness packed up to head home. How quiet....blessed silence....suddenly there's a yell...Cut! - It’s a wrap..The silence becomes chatter as the actors exit the studio into shadows cast by the late afternoon sun.

Blogger: (To see the prior installment, click here)

Danae waited anxiously for the ambulance crew to finish with Miz Trent. When they came out of the house she asked, “Is she okay?” The crew chief answered in the affirmative. She was about to offer some of the croissants to the ambulance crew when the police captain stepped back over and neatly confiscated them. The EMT’s rolled their eyes at his zeal and got back into their vehicle. “That was rude,” commented Danae. The captain answered, “you told me you brought them for us…I just don’t want my guys to miss out on something so good. They’d have a conniption if they heard EMT’s got their food.” “And how would they know?” she inquired.

As they walked into the house together Danae asked, “Will Miz Trent be allowed to keep the money? It would really help her a lot.”

The officer answered, “We’re having the serial numbers traced right now. If they turn out to be as old as I think, and they’re not bogus or connected with any crimes that we can find, she’ll get it back within a couple of months. I hope someone will help her invest it so she doesn’t end up being a target for every conniving sob story that comes along.” Danae was incensed at the thought that anyone would try to scam an old woman but she realized that for some people, committing fraud is as easy as rolling off a log. She started to ask another question when the radio strapped to the cop’s shoulder crackled to life. “Excuse me,” he said and stepped away.

Danae walked into the living room where Miz Trent was regaling the young cops with a story. Her eyes lit up when she saw Danae but she didn’t pause, “You see, the harpoon went in and perforated his lung! He was never able to work again without making a loud wheeze that scared the fish. So the other guys on the crew put him ashore with $100 cash and told him he could use it to customize his so-called invention and sell it for a fortune. Of course, no one ever saw that money again. He probl’y drank it in the first bar he came to.” As she finished that statement the police captain came in and said, “Excuse me Miz Trent, we have a scene we need to respond to. Looks like a military convoy moving some Sidewinder missiles was involved in a pile-up with a truck carrying hogs to market. They’ve called everyone on duty to respond. Guys, make sure you have your Haz-mat suits. It’s messy.”

As the younger cops scrambled, each grabbing a croissant as they went by, Danae moved closer to the captain to say goodbye. She offered him the last three. “Thanks, this might be the only meal I get all day!” he said. His smile softened as he looked at Miz Trent and then back at Danae. “Take good care of her. She’s a treasure.” Danae nodded her head and said goodbye. Almost before they were clear of the room Miz Trent patted the sofa next to her and invited Danae to sit down. “Now sweetie,” began Miz Trent, “I’m going to tell you, and only you, the real story of the money and the bones. You can decide what to do with it.” Danae leaned forward in anticipation.

Next Week’s Words:

The challenge: plumber, autograph, Florence Nightingale, a chill wind’s a blowing, watering hole, sleek, triplets, backwards, surface tension, parrot

And for the mini: Free estimates, French fries, carpet, Braille, silver-tongued bandit

/kw

Wordzzle Saturday

It's Wordzzle time again and you get a bit of everything. Charly did the mega (woo-woo!), Kit did the mini and the blogger has done the challenge, continuing a story that started last week. If you want more info on how to join us,e-mail us here. If you want to figure it out yourself, go to Views from Raven's Nest. Thank you Raven for hosting this fun challenge!

Charly:

With a mug of COFFEE in her hand, SANDY, clothed in a warm FLUFFY, COTTON robe, stepped out onto the porch of the old farm house. She sat in a 100 year old rocking chair to enjoy the day as it came to life. The EARLY MORNING LIGHT showed a fine MIST lingering from the storm that had passed during the night. LEAVES of autumn colors lay on the ground. In the quiet of the morn she could hear the faint whistle of a TRAIN as it traveled toward town. Soon the sound of TRAFFIC from the farm vehicles would be noticeable as field hands began their day; mist nor muddy fields would stop production. Sandy moved to a table near the rocker and placed her mug of coffee down. She sat and reached for her sketching pad. Her ART work was ADMIRABLE and delightful. However, new projects always made her STOMACH do flips at a showing; she would always PRAY reviews would be kind. She was presently working on a piece for the little ones at the local hospital. They were creating a 'fairytale' room and this her final drawing, PINOCCHIO, was almost completed. The colorful drawings would become a mural on the walls. Looking up as she heard a dog bark, she set down her work, went into the house to pour another mug of coffee. Returning outside, she waited. Her husband rounding the bend of the lane was returning from a late night call; he was the local GP and a believer of house calls. WALKING toward her and with a weary smile, gratefully reached for the coffee. Arm in arm they went into the house. The day had begun.

Kit:

Hobos and vagrants – they were once called

When riding in a boxcar – of a train…

Many were returning soldiers – from war,

And were happy to be – home again…

But, no work could be found – they had tried,

In their hearts – they said, ‘that’s okay’…

Because their art of unselfishness,

Had given to us – another safe day.

So, when walking idle - under fluffy clouds,

if you see the - cotton fields in bloom,

Recall these admirable men - in other fields,

as they kept our homeland safe - from doom..

No matter what they're called - hobo; vagrant; homeless,

they served our country with - love, honor and dignity..

So when you see them - give them acts of kindness,

the reflection you see - will be your own integrity.

Blogger: To see the first installment, click here.

All work had stopped at the Habitat for Humanity house project. Until the mystery of the skeleton and the money was resolved, the place was technically a crime scene. Danae, curious about the progress, concerned for Miz Trent and a bit interested in the cute police investigator she’d talked to last night, put together some croissants and coffee and headed over to the site. In the early morning light, it was difficult to discern mist from shadow so she drove cautiously. Her stomach dropped as she discerned the flashing lights of an ambulance speeding up behind her, its siren on full blast. Danae slowed with the rest of the traffic and pulled over to the side of the road where the leaves had piled up like confetti after Mardi Gras. When she saw the ambulance stop in front of Miz Trent’s house Danae began to pray. “Please don’t let it be more bad news,” she whispered. She parked and decided to leave the goodies in the car until she knew what was going on. Walking across the street to the yard, she called to the sandy-haired detective. “Captain, is Miz Trent okay?” He looked up and flashed her a brief smile. “Sorry, you can’t come any further here. It’s still a crime scene. But to answer your question, Miz Trent was having some anxiety this morning while we were working so we called the ambulance for her. What are you doing here so early?” “I’ve brought your team some croissants and coffee,” she said. “Let me just go back over to my car to get them.” The investigator ducked under the tape and walked towards her, “I’ll help you with that kind of burden any time. I’ll bet you want to trade the goodies for information, too, right?” Danae gave a little laugh, “well, yes. I’d be lying like Pinnochio if I said no to that.” As they lifted the goodies from the seat of the car he responded, “I can tell you because this is a very old skeleton. It looks like the money and the bones have been there for as long as the house has been. Miz Trent came here as a young bride at the end of the war in 1945 and her husband’s family had already been living in the house for years. She’s trying to remember whether anyone ever told a story that would help fill things in. Right now she’s entertaining my youngest officers with all kinds of rabbit trails.” He smiled, “it’s good for them to learn how to listen and she’s having a great time, so I’ll let it go on for a while longer. At least until I’ve had a couple more of these delicious croissants. Where did you pick them up?” Danae drew back, offended. “I picked them up off my countertop where they’d cooled after I baked them! I’m a pastry chef.” His eyes crinkled with laughter, “I’m just pulling your chain. These are too good to be store bought!”

Next week's Ten Word Challenge: Incensed, sidewinder, bogus, conniption, Haz-mat, conniving, customize, perforated, zeal, rolling off a log

And for the mini: abstemious, chlorophyll, origami, cheerleader, dung beetle

Wordzzle Saturday

It's Wordzzle time again and Charly & Kit have done the minis! The blogger has done the challenge. If you want more info on how to join us, e-mail us here. If you want to figure it out yourself, go to Views from Raven's Nest.

KIT:

As falling stars danced - with abandonment,

to - variations on a theme..

Those who viewed them - possibly felt,

a oneness - with this beautiful scene..

And, although for many - it may have appeared,

as if - the sky is falling..

It's only nature's - beautiful way,

of answering - the Universe's calling.

For the universe - speaks to us all,

coming forward - in various says..

And its' purpose - is to send us love,

to enhance our lives - and fulfill our days..

At times our souls - may feel like,

those empty soda bottles - laying around..

But, with bravery - and a gentle powder puff touch,

we'll find that love within - can still be found.

CHARLY:

As the crowd gathered in the grandstands to view the race, one could see EMPTY SODA BOTTLES along the fence line where some spectators stood. Families and fans alike wanted to see it all with a front row view as drivers moved into position. With engines revving up one could feel the excitement of the first POWDER PUFF derby. Much discussion had occurred during the planning of this event with many VARIATIONS OF A THEME tossed about. But this theme seemed most appropriate as the drivers were women. As the flag dropped, they moved out; those less timid gained the lead positions early. One could only admire the BRAVERY of each of these ladies; many being first time drivers in such an event. They were driving for a special charity; a cause dear to their hearts, Save a Senior. Being among that elite circle, they wanted to help the local seniors having trouble making ends meet. So these brave gals, donned their helmets and took to the track; a bit slow compared to other races, but moving they were. From the sound of this fun-loving crowd the event appeared successful. After crossing the finish line, the winner was brought forward and crowned Queen of the Powder Puff Go-Kart Derby. Low, dark clouds were forming overhead and with a thought to Henny Penney's 'THE SKY IS FALLING', one might think that was about to occur. With a sense of urgency, Grandma's go-kart was loaded on the trailer to head home before they were soaked. Grandma was beaming as she climbed into the car with her crown of 'pink puffs'..she wore it proudly.

BLOGGER:

Pastry chef Danae Delish awkwardly filled each cream puff with the custard mixture. It was a little bit of a production creating masterpieces with a broken finger, but she had promised her friends at the Habitat for Humanity site that she would bring some treats to them today. Her puffs had acquired somewhat of a hallowed status with the crew because she varied the custard mixtures and it was always a pleasant surprise for the person biting into one. When she had broken her finger last week at the site trying to hang sheetrock, their primary concern was whether it would prevent her from making cream puffs. Danae smiled at that memory -- it felt good to be needed.

She reached the site about 10:30 a.m., perfect time for a short break. The house belonged to an elderly woman whose roof had been mostly cardboard since Hurricane Katrina came through. Now when Danae walked into the living room there was a beautiful ceiling fan mounted in the center surrounded by a plaster ceiling medallion. The texture of the rest of the ceiling was of cottage cheese. In all, it was a very pleasing appearance, and an immense improvement!

She strolled through to the back yard where the carpentry team was working. Danae called out, “everything looks wonderful inside!” Her friend Terry looked up from his measurement and said, “Oh! cream puffs! Give me a couple – they’ll be food for thought! I’ve measured this three times and ended up with three different numbers! The cream puffs will revive me!” Danae turned them over to the hardworking crew who vanished them quickly.

Looking around she missed someone. Turning to Terry, Danae asked, “where is Miz Trent?” Terry laughed, “she said there was too much noise here today so she was going to go volunteer at the blood drive at her church! It’s amazing. She’s 82 years old, was content to live in a house with holes in the ceiling, and is still volunteering! She was even upset that they won’t let her donate blood! She said she’d been doing it for over thirty years.” Danae laughed as well, delighted that the crew were able to do something kind for someone whose first thought was what she could do for others.

All of a sudden they heard yelling from inside the house. Terry and Danae rushed inside. Following the noise they found David in the back bedroom. He had just pulled a rotting board out of the closet. Sitting on the floor was a neatly compacted stack of one hundred dollar bills. Surrounding the stack was a circle of bones, in a cradling shape. Danae looked at the guys. “I think we need to call a supervisor,” she said quietly.

Next Week's Ten Word Challenge will be: early morning light, Pinocchio, mist, leaves, sandy, coffee, walking, traffic, pray, stomach

And for the mini: train, art, admirable, cotton, fluffy

Wordzzle

Each week, Raven posts words. You can choose 5 (the mini), 10 (the challenge) or all 15 (the maxi) to create a poem, story, article, paragraph or whatever. The point is to GET WRITING! If you'd like to join us here, e-mail your entry to us and we'll include it here OR you can post it on your own blog, and use the Mr. Linky at Raven's to join the fun. Go to Raven's blog for more details.

The words for this week's ten word challenge were: family, cheese cake, 20 years ago, refrigerator, laugh and the world laughs with you, bath brush, zombies, African violets, butterflies, holding hands And for the mini:monsters in the closet, roughly, bowling, menu, Pennsylvania

We have three 'regulars' who play. Kit, Charly and the Blogger.

Kit:

The monsters in the closet - of our mind,

play havoc on our thoughts - with much delight..

They taunt and tempt us - throughout our day,

and linger with us - into our night..

Many times their actions - somehow seem unfair,

and, as we seek a deeper reason - for their visit..

We're reminded - that sometimes hidden sources,

can be a treasure - that suddenly become exquisite.

For the treasures that come - moving toward us,

like the bowling ball - heading for a strike..

May be that roughly drawn plan - of the Universe,

that gives guidance - and pushes us to the Light..

Just look as these monsters - as food for thought,

listed on the Menu - of a Life's decree..

Then take a ride - in the Pennsylvania mountains,

leave them there - so your mind, is once more free.

Charly:

Under a golden sky, walking down a path HOLDING HANDS, Megan & Kyle were headed to the FAMILY cottage. The cottage had been built 20 YEARS AGO along the river flowing peacefully this day. This had been a special gathering place. Once they had attended a Halloween party dressed as ZOMBIES. LAUGH AND THE WORLD LAUGHS WITH YOU, they say, but they had looked so silly it did not take much to set them off in a giggly mood. As they approached the cottage AFRICAN VIOLETS in hues of pink and purple were seen in the windows; BUTTERFLIES were fluttering around the wildflowers outside the front door. On entering, Mom, cousins and a brother & sister greeted them warmly. As in most gatherings they were all in the kitchen. Mom, as moms do, went to the REFRIGERATOR to set out the CHEESECAKE to be served with coffee. Buster, their cousin's three year old, was running around with a BATH BRUSH in his hand chasing Sugar, the resident dog. He stopped. With a baffling look on his little face, and looking back & forth to the foursome sitting at the kitchen counter, he finally asked, 'how come you all look alike'? The group in the room couldn't help smiling...how do you explain identical twins marrying identical twins?

Blogger:

The guy was distinctly uncomfortable. He had butterflies in his stomach. Before they could sit down to dinner everyone had to go wash their hands…with soap and water! He hadn’t seen as much as a bath brush for a few days, but decided this was a good time to conform to the local standards. The family began by holding hands around the table. “Ah hah!” he thought, “that’s why they wanted us to have clean hands. They’re germophobes.” Then they prayed thanking God for the food. He looked past the African violets in the centerpiece and surveyed the younger brother opposite. Even the kid was praying. What was wrong with these people? Didn’t they know you were just supposed to take stuff out of the refrigerator and eat it? He heard “amen” and remembered just in time that it meant they were finished. Everyone tucked in, and rather than eating like zombies in front of the viewscreen like his people did, they engaged in conversation! At one point the dad even got up from the table to get an Etymological Dictionary because the kid asked where a certain word came from. Twenty years ago people used books, but didn’t these Luddites realize there were electronic devices they could use and never leave the table? These people were so weird! Suddenly his eyes widened. The mom was slicing blueberry swirl cheesecake – his favorite! He looked at the very cute girl and asked, “did you tell her?” The girl laughed and said, “Sure, we always want people who eat with us to feel like they’re very special. Do you?” All of his reserve melted away as the mom put a HUGE slab of the dessert in front of him. Laughing, he stated, “they say laugh and the world laughs with you, but I wouldn’t have believed it before I met this family.” The laughter echoed in the room as his body dematerialized and he vanished back to the Dragon-class galactic cruiser that orbited the planet. In transit, he smiled to himself, “time travel does have its perks. Cute girls and real cheesecake beats a replicator every time.”

Next Week's Ten Word Challenge will be: plaster, cottage cheese, hallowed, hard working, food for thought, blood drive, broken finger, ceiling fan, pastry chef, production

And for the mini: the sky is falling, variations on a theme, bravery, powder puff, empty soda bottles

/kw

Wordzzle

It's time again for Wordzzle! You can tell by reading Charly's and the Blogger's that we have book sale on the brain! If you'd like to play along, first, visit Raven's Nest to find out the guidelines. Then post on your own blog and link to Raven's Mr. Linky. If you don't have a blog, you can e-mail it to us and we'll post it with ours.

The words for this week's ten word challenge were: Tibetan sky, symbols, won’t you come home Bill Baily, shadow figures, brain cortex, practice makes perfect, life, start of school, lavender, chow down And for the mini: mental hospital, falling leaves, apple cider, packing crates, clues

Charly:

Driving through the mountains on this rural road, I feel as though we're back in time. Such a peaceful day, little traffic and a brisk wind now and then. An old grocery store looms ahead and we decide to make a stop. With old gas pumps and apple PACKING CRATES piled along the side of the building there are no CLUES as to what we'll find as we enter the store. A few locals inside are chatting about the new construction going on down the road; a MENTAL HOSPITAL they say. They appear to be happy that jobs are forthcoming. We buy refreshments and go sit in the garden behind the building. Sitting in the fresh air on this glorious day one feels at peace with the FALLING LEAVES drifting downward in shades of red and gold, it's a sure sign that Fall is on the way. In the quietness of the garden you can hear the hum of a buzz saw and faint hammering; must be the building the locals spoke about. As I bring the mug of hot APPLE CIDER to my lips, with eyes closed I savor the aroma it brings forth..Hey, wait a minute-- it smells like coffee. Coffee??? I open my eyes and see my husband placing a cup of coffee on the night stand. With a little nudge and a smile on his face he says, 'time to get a move on it..you've got a book Sale to run.'

Kit:

Imported apple cider - in their packing crates,

were seen sitting - ready for delivery..

To the patients within - this mental hospital,

where all are treated - with embraced civility..

Some patients have - no earthly clues,

what these crates hold - but know they're for them..

They all understand - it is something to drink,

that the lavender logo means - it's from a friend.

In the background - Won't you come home Bill Bailey,

is heard playing - as one enters the hall..

And, if one looks out - you'd see falling leaves,

under a Tibetan sky - gently landing as they fall..

While patients sit at tables - ready to chow down,

their brain cortex - never bring thoughts to mind..

They just live - in their own little worlds,

not even knowing - when it's their bedtime.

Some appear as shadow figures - no more than symbols,

of the former life - that they once knew..

Others act as little children - at the start of school,

with anticipation and joy - in all they'll do..

They all seem happy - in these surroundings,

which is given credence - by all their smiles..

And, if practice makes perfect - they've succeeded,

for their souls have traveled - many angelic miles.

Blogger:

The Semi-Annual Friends of Reston Regional Library Used Book Sale is a great place to find a treasure that may change your life. Whether you dream of hiking under a Tibetan sky, growing and harvesting lavender, singing the old tune, “Won’t you come home Bill Baily?”, or understanding the intricacies of the brain cortex, we probably have a book or CD about it. Many people visit the fall sale because it’s at the start of school. One woman said yesterday that she found every one one of the books for her daughter’s AP English class in our literature section. One reason our book sale is the best in the region because we clearly mark everything that needs to be identified, using symbols or words. This sale we have received many compliments about the way the sale is organized. That’s because practice makes perfect. We have been doing this for years and years, and have learned each time how to implement things better the next time. Another reason for our success is that we have the best volunteers in the county, that’s for sure, and we take good care of them. One of the enticements to work the sale is that we chow down on food donated by local merchants that is truly tasteful. The third reason for our amazing sale success is the shadow figures such as Pam, Anne, Ron and Cheryl who make sure everything behind the scenes is on track as well. This is an amazing team, and it benefits the library by over $30k each sale. Good job everyone!

Next Week's Ten Word Challenge will be: family, cheese cake, 20 years ago, refrigerator, laugh and the world laughs with you, bath brush, zombies, African violets, butterflies, holding hands

And for the mini: monsters in the closet, roughly, bowling, menu, Pennsylvania

Wordzzle

This week only Kit and Charly are playing Raven's game. The Blogger was overwhelmed by kids going back to school. But, since everyone in the story is happy in Spain, I think I'll leave them there and end it. This week off will give me some time to think about new characters, etc.

If you'd like to play along, first, visit Raven's Nest to find out the guidelines. Then post on your own blog and link to Raven's Mr. Linky. If you don't have a blog, you can e-mail it to us and we'll post it with ours.

The words for this week's ten word challenge were:dangerous, engine, sullenly, bespoke, evergreen, bauble, medicine, freight, destined, tinsel And for the mini: carbon, feelers, outright, ballet, fizzing

KIT

When life's FEELERS - reach out to us,

we hope good - is what they'll bring..

Could be no more than - a BALLET dancer,

striving for balance - or voices that want to sing..

Then there may be - CARBON copies of past mistakes,

that return to us full blown - among our days..

Just attack them with - OUTRIGHT FIZZING,

and the lesson learned - will pave our ways.

And, there will be times - when we feel,

that a FREIGHT train - has derailed its track..

while dumping on us - its' scattered debris,

that gives one a headache - or aching back..

But just think - perhaps this is DESTINED to be,

to be sure, that the soul - will continually grow..

And while these feelings - may seem SULLENLY,

the universe may have BESPOKE - of this, eons ago.

For we do not know - when our higher self,

will become the ENGINE - of our desires..

It could be known - as the ultimate MEDICINE,

that is given to each - to guide our lives.

Some decisions we make - may seem DANGEROUS,

but know that - everything works for the greater good..

Like the EVERGREEN tree - retains it's foliage,

each soul will surely - advance as it should.

So, try to treat things - whether they're good or bad,

as a pretty BAUBLE - or, a piece of shiny TINSEL..

And keep tho'ts in consciousness - only a short time,

while letting acceptance - be your life's untensil..

For there are no accidents - in universal teachings,

as all things - happen for ones best..

Take heart - and look beyond the obvious,

You'll find, you've passed - another facet of life's test.

Charly:

As the car slowed for the DANGEROUS curve ahead, the driver checked to make sure the ENGINE light had not come on as it had been doing of late. Connie was DESTINED to be delayed if it appeared again. Her precious FREIGHT was her 8 year old niece who was sick and needed to be home in bed. Connie's sister, Jane, could not get off from work, so she had done the deed. On the trip back from the doctor they had stopped for the MEDICINE and was now heading home. Arriving home Julie's eyes BESPOKE the fever within her small body, but she insisted she felt ok. After all, she was to put the TINSEL on the Christmas tree tonight as well as the EVERGREEN boughs on the windowsills. But now she would have to go to bed. Bummer! SULLENLY casting a look about the room to no one in particular, she climbed the stairs and went to her room. When Connie gave Julie a dose of medicine, she also gave her a small BAUBLE for good luck for being such a good little trooper. She turned the light down and as the patient grew sleepy, the goodnight hug she received made it all worthwhile. She accepted the title of 'aunt' with pride. Connie went downstairs to await Jane's arrival. Taking off her shoes, grabbing her book she curled up on the couch to continue the mystery she had started. She was close to finding the identity of the killer..just as she reached the section of 'who dun it', she looked up and Jane was standing in the doorway. Oh!, hi Jane! Mentally she borrowed Julie's word .. bummer...the killer still awaits to be identified.

And a link to a Friend who has joined us once before. Hers is to last week's words, but it's good -- and maybe she'll get the timing right this week! Go see Air!

Next Week's Ten Word Challenge will be: Tibetan sky, symbols, won’t you come home Bill Baily, shadow figures, brain cortex, practice makes perfect, life, start of school, lavender, chow down

And for the mini: mental hospital, falling leaves, apple cider, packing crates, clues

/kw