Another Reason I'm Happy I Volunteered With a Literacy Council

The other day, I got a parcel in the mail. On the way home, I stopped by a coffee shop and set my parcel on the counter. An older lady in a funny knit hat was seated at the bar. She looked over at the parcel and asked, "Oh, what's in the box?"

"Books," I said.

"A present for someone?"

I smiled. "I got them for myself."

She smiled back. "I love reading. What books did you get?"

"I got a boxed set of books I loved as a child. Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time books."

"I've never heard of them. What are they about?"

"It's a kids' adventure story about children saving the world and their scientist dad. It has all sorts of interesting bits in it, with different languages like Latin, Greek, and Italian, and lots of math and physics, too. I like it because it's not dumbed down like a lot of kids' books, and it encourages the reader to think."

The woman moved forward on her stool. "I learned to read late in life, so I still don't know that many words. Do you think I might like it?"

"Oh yes! Books like this help you learn new words. When I read a book that has lots of words I don't know in it, I like to have a dictionary at hand. It helps a lot."

She grinned. "A Wrinkle in Time. I'll remember that! Thank you."

The British Invasion: Part IX - Glastonbury Abbey

On the drive to Glastonbury Abbey, Steve told us a bit about the history of the place. Christian legends say it was founded in the 1st century CE by Joseph of Arimathea, a disciple of Jesus Christ. According to some stories, Joseph came to Brittania and became the first Christian bishop. He was carrying a staff made from the thorn wood of Jesus's cross, and upon reaching Glastonbury, said something to the effect of, "I claim this land for Jesus!" and stuck the stick in the ground, whereupon it sprouted and took root.

( This is that very tree, I was told. )