weaktwos

On Friday,

taogrl and I went to Modesto for the afternoon. Our goal: Yesterday's Books, a large and fascinating used bookstore. They have many collectable books there as well, so if you're a true collector, you can knock yourself out and get some nifty, rare finds.

Upon walking in the door, I bee-lined to the collector case. The notion of considering to collect rare books crossed my mind. There in the display case was a first edition copy of Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird". I thought this book was fantastic. I inquired with the proprieter to look at the book.

"Now, this is not a signed copy, but it is a verified first edition and in excellent condition, " the gentleman told me. He was tall and lanky, with grey hair, an oxford shirt and slacks. Definitely the aged bookish sort's attire.

I nod as if I know what I'm in for. I was thinking the book would cost about $300 dollars. In hindsight, I was clearly naive-as-hell. I delicately lift the book from the case, look through the pages. It's fairly gorgeous. Although, the spin is a bit crooked because it's been propped up on a stand, or it was stored in a way such that it rested at an angle instead of on it's side or straigh up and down.

I then went looking for the price. As in most used bookstores, the price is written in pencil on the inside cover. I was somewhat suprised that the normal pricing procedure was followed with pricing the book. Why not a slip of paper? What if the price changes? Is it really okay to erase and rewrite a new price? I guess so.

The price for the First Edition copy of To Kill a Mockingbird was $7,000. Then a little door closed in my brain. The door leads to a room where the illusive hedonometer resides. This is the place where all decisions are weighed and made. I could hear a little print out from the hedonometer, as well as buzzer sounding off in two staccato beats. A little voice muttered, "Book collector, my ass," as the door was firmly shut. Why yes, I have voices in my head. Who doesn't?

It's a good thing I express my shock on the inside. The proprietor would have heard quite an exclamation.

I did acquire some nifty books on learning ancient Greek and Hebrew. And I acquired volumes 1-5 of the History of England by David Hume.

taogrl found her goodies and we hopped into the car to figure out where to get lunch. Lunch bidding started out with, "What are you in the mood for? Fast food, or a place to sit down and drool over our boks?". Sitting down and drooling over books was agreed upon. I pondered, "Perhaps an Indian Buffet would be good?"

Seconds later, as I'm driving down McHenry, an Indian Buffet is right there. Fantastic! I don't think that has everhappened. Lunch was delicious. We had a great time chatting as well.

After lunch we were so pleased with our convenient and tasty find that I said, "Now, if only we could find a cool little non-mainstream cafe. Sure enough, as I took a left onto Standiford(I think that's what the street name was), a few blocks down and

taogrl sees a little cafe in a strip mall. It was called Fire House Coffee Roasters.

We walk in, order some drinks. The Barrista is a cute young man. His soft, young visage was also the breeding grouds for a little fuzzy goatee. I doubt the goatee will ever grow to "full height" if you will.

We order our drinks and I throw some money into the tip jar, which had a little drawing of a character called the "Tip Ninja". I remarked on it and the young man chuckled and said, "Yeah, I just drew that on there today. He was quite amused with himself. I was equally amused, but perhaps for reasons different than his.

When we sat down, we really started to gather more informaton about the design of the cafe. It was a cozy little joint. Sofas, comfy chairs, a few tables and chairs. There was a section where some musical instruments were. Some bongos and conga drums, a guitar, etc.

taogrl was facing the wall, and noticed murals all over the walls with religious quotes (complete with bible passage notation) on the wall.

Yes, we were in the Lord's Coffee House. Which is fine. it was very cozy and the people were friendly. We had our mocha smoothies and looked over our books, sharing some passages with each other that we found interesting. Like, in the "Ancient Greek" lesson book, the first thing we learn to say is "The Beautiful Boy", followed by the anecdote that men would bestow pots with "The beautiful boy" in greek inscribed on it as gifts to young men they were fond of.

Oh really? Good to know.

taogrl gets up to use the restroom, and returns not long after. She says quietly, "we have the rapture going on in the bathroom. I wish I had my camera."

But I had my camera. And my bladder was coincidentally full! Off I went.

So, I do my business, and then get to the business of picture taking. The angles were a challenge because the bathroom isn't so large as to capture the entire scene. So here's a tour.

Here's what I think is heaven. I believe those are "rapture lines" or vapor trails of the faithful being zoomed up to heaven.

These are some of the faithful on their ascent.

These are the tortured, grabbing hands of those left behind. I like how the handicap friendly support bar looks like the cane of Jesus, pulling the unfaithful off of heaven's stage. Or something like that.

This guy was on the other side of the wall. I'm not sure what set him apart from the other two. He is prettier. And has that distant, rapturey stare.

So there you go. The Rapture in the crapper. The Crapture. They should put a sign up outside the room, "In the event of the Rapture, this bathroom is vacant!"

In conclusion, it was a delightful afternoon.