“Is this a new library?” asks Hannah, a new transplant, as she peruses the plethora of colorful beads. All were brought by longtime RVA resident Sidanie where she made kandi creations in honor of her Kpop biases. It would seem that way after an hour into our 5th Lime Tuesday at this modern looking space. We all sat comfy in orange leather chairs around a large oval table scattered with arts and crafts supplies in a softly lit glass conference room. An 11-hour video of Animal Crossing’s lo-fi jazz plays in the background as giggles, chatter, and silence intermingle.
This question was part of conversations on our place of living. Areas like Libbie Mill have a modern appeal (and trees) with its new(er) development. This choice of location for our casual hangout was convenient which is the opposite of what we all felt Northern Virginia (NOVA) was and is like. Some of us actively drive there whereas our past lives once had us living in the bigger suburbs where traffic truly is a killjoy. A collective nod and silent groan was had.
20 minutes - to get from one side of the river to the other - is at least my maximum of travel time before it feels like a commitment. But, for bonding it’s worth the trek. There’s the EZ Pass after all as Carolin, a new friend to KCo, mentions this as she puts her offerings of tortilla chips next to her homemade dip.
Jess points out that this rice cooker full of chorizo and cheese has made the room smell nice. She is needling little mahjong tiles as prizes for when players are able to defeat her (which, good luck). Andrew sits next to her with music sheets on his laptop’s display looking at Alan across from him making funny one-liner bracelets. He asks Alan for one, being gifted “Performative Activist” which is ironic as these two can talk politics having explained what white flight was later in the night.
Next to them, Genevieve shares that octopus are deaf and attempts to make one out of beads (spoiler alert: only 2 tentacles get made). Luna is neatly transcribing her recipes into metric measurements and enjoying onigiris. These nori wrapped rice balls filled with salmon were made by Rachel, another new face to KCo, who tells me VCU had brought her down from NOVA to RVA.
As for me, I had poured all of an oolong tea packet that was straight from China courtesy of Luna into my thermos. A few sprinkles of loose leaves would have been just fine apparently since I learned the hard way (later awake at 3 AM) that oolong was caffeinated.
Whilst sipping my cause of sleep deprivation and munching on a mandarin from Hannah, the spread of cute scrapbooking and charm materials brought my inner child so much joy. I worked to make affirmational cards (wholesome phrases leftover from our Friendship Exchange) and finally my own few charm chains. I could hear from the girlies and myself taking in all the cuteness with plenty oohs and ahhs - it was like being in a candy store.
A harmony of parallel play was taking place and there’s a quaint quietness to it. It felt endearing to be in this space where all of us simply believed in the idea of showing up as you are in the name of community. It was a summer night full of abundance. Many yummy goods and fun hands-on activities were graciously shared. I’ll certainly never forget the matcha Meiji meltykiss that Carolin brought from Japan or my gifts of a citrus candle and orange charm chain.
Only two more Lime Tuesdays remain for 2025. Will we take on trivia, games, or desserts? Our KCo community will decide!
xx Jacqueline
About the guest contributor:
Jacqueline is a multi-hyphenated human led by curiosity. When not crafting experiences or designing visuals, she’s tending to her gardens where the local groundhog is trying to eat all her hard work. Ask her about the latest thing she’s listened to (always self-help) or how to decorate interiors on a budget. You can find her running around in chaotic good energy behind the scenes at KCo gatherings.
Our grassroots group for AAPI millennials meets every month or so. Check us out on Instagram, Facebook, and Discord!
I'm so happy you all had fun and the combo of new and regular members!
Got hit with some poison ivy, on my hand so I missed it.
I didn't know you could bring food to the library, and I'm not talking about Doritos or Ho Hos.
Hannah is now the official orange-bringer, and hint, hint, everyone bring your recipes to future events as well. I thought there were no more Limes this year, at least according to my pamphlet, so good to see there will be future events. If it is indeed trivia I am on Genevieve's team and we are going to win. J/k all loves.