I know this is going to shock you, but I love Scrabble. The way I'm constantly talking about books and words and anything that's ever-so-remotely related to them, I'm sure you might have had an inkling.

So imagine my excitement in learning about Saturday's Eighth Annual Scrabble Fundraiser for Literacy, which provides funds for literacy and ESOL programming at the Greater Homewood Community Corp.  

Food! Prizes! Words! And most importantly, free parking. Call ahead at 410-261-3520 to register for $30; it'll cost you an extra $5 if you just show up. Students and seniors can get in for $20, while chaperones are asked to give $10.

Sunday afternoon, Heather Ross, author of Weekend Sewing, will be at Atomic Books to demonstrate some of the skills covered in her book. I've snuck a peek at some of the projects in Weekend Sewing, and they're pretty impressive. Me? I can barely sew a button back on my coat, but if you're at all inclined, I recommend checking it out.

Next week, Goucher College is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Women Writing About Women Symposium with a couple of events featuring award-winning authors. On Monday evening, the Merrick Lecture Hall will see a roundtable featuring three former writers-in-residence: Dorothy Allison, Michelle Cliff, and Thrity Umrigar.

And Tuesday night, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Natasha Trethewey will give the keynote address at 8. While both events are free, tickets must be reserved ahead. Call 410-337-6333 or by e-mail boxoffice@goucher.edu.