Friday is Haiku Day

~ John W. Howell

Today is known affectionately on Fiction Favorites as Haiku day. It is also the last day of the work week and a day we all look forward to having completed. It is also a day when we can take a moment to reflect on the previous week and take stock of what we have accomplished. Of course we need to be pretty sure of those things we put down on the accomplishment side of the ledger. One of the things I accomplished this week is a complete set of photos of my FJ 40. In order to do this, I had to put the roof and doors back on. The roof is no small feat since it weighs close to 400 pounds dripping wet. Now you may ask, why a full set of photos of your 1978 FJ 40 Land Cruiser? Well it is a sad day, but a day I knew was coming for the last year. It is now time to sell my beloved FJ.

I’m not selling her because I’m no longer in love. No far from it. I am selling her because I no longer have the time to pay attention to her as she has become accustomed. She sits for weeks with no-one to play with and talk. Her terminal rust is not getting any better and I have no time to treat the condition properly. Her heart keeps beating and she gets worn down since she must be driven routinely or her sensors and systems begin to malfunction. She becomes deflated with the lack of use. In short, I have another lover, my writing, with whom I am totally committed and it is not fair to her to stay with me.

I originally got her as a project car and did a lot of work to put her on the road. Now I must turn to other things and set her free. Oh yes the Haiku, I almost forgot. It’s titled Goodbye.

Goodbye by John W. Howell

Together is good,

One absent the other not . . .

A new day is here.

004

How about you. Do you look back and evaluate your week?

36 thoughts on “Friday is Haiku Day”

  1. Aww, John, ’tis heartbreaking, but you must think of the greater good, …. she needs anothers attention, someone who can give her the love she longs for… Be Brave …erm. has she a name? For I name everything, which of course makes it worse when goodbyes are said, as in your Haiku, … I look back sometimes on a week and ponder on what I shoulda done, trying hard to ‘do’ something as soon as I think of it….for procrastination is the very devils methinks. xPenx..

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  2. Love the color. Sorry that you have to sell her, but I hope she gets a good home. Most times I look back on the week. Today, I’m looking ahead in an attempt to drag myself into the weekend because it’s been exhausting. Toddler doesn’t understand ‘please let daddy get some work done’, so I’ve done very little beyond entertaining him.

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    1. In the future you will have two things as a result. 1. A number of really good books. 2. A son who will remember the attention (maybe not consciously, but with a degree of understanding that he is loved.) I believe your time with him will bring you dividends.

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  4. What a beautiful color. I’m sorry you have to sell her, but I hope she finds a good home. As for me, I’m looking ahead, too – this was not one of my more stellar weeks, but I’ve a long weekend ahead to enjoy! Have a great weekend, John!

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  5. This is a stunner! I thought you wanted to be buried in that chariot!

    Reminds me of when I gave up my beloved MGB, Nigel. He was costing me about two grand a month to keep running, and started feeling like a lovable albatross. In retrospect, giving him up for adoption was a good idea for both of us…

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  6. Oh but the memories you shall have forever. Yep, I reflect on my week too. During this one, my thoughts are focused on the fact that I have gotten not much of anything done when it comes to reading or writing, but I did make the garden look pretty.

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  7. What a shame the jeep has to go, but it’s obviously for the best. At least you’ll have your memories and these photographs to remember her by. Happy Easter.

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  8. She’s so pretty! You did her right. Now she will have a new home where someone else can give her attention. Greg’s Land Rover gets to go to the beach regularly now that she has new owners, instead of being closed up in the man cave..

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  10. I wish you lived closer, John, because MT would love that vehicle. He doesn’t have anywhere to putter on it at the moment, but if he found the right one, he’d probably buy it anyway.

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    1. Understood. I looked for this one for three years and I really wish I had the time to complete the project. The new owner is a very nice person and really loves the car. Who could ask for anything more. Thanks for the comment and visit.

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  12. Gorgeous car John. Sorry you can’t keep her – I feel your pain. Had to sell my 1970 SWB Land Rover when we came down here. Those old guys have souls.

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  13. Just showed the picture to my husband. He had a 1972 rag-top, fire-engine red about 40 yrs ago. He’s wondering how much you’re asking. You can send info thru email. (He’s just curious, though. He so loved his LC. I think he wants the fantasy of thinking he could have another 🙂 )

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  15. Oh, I’m sad for you that you had to sell it! I remember parting with my Nissan Frontier and being so sad that I almost cried. Ok, I lied. I did cry.

    Fabulous haiku. here’s to many happy memories!

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  17. Ah, that’s awful 😦 I love love love old “safari” looking cars like that.

    And I’m disappointed in myself for not making it to your Friday post on Monday, as is my habit.

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