Author: John W. Howell

I have been working in business for over forty years and now have the time to work in special areas of interest. My passion has always been to create compelling stories of fiction. I have authored six novels and am working on my Seventh. The first novel is still in manuscript form and being utilized as a door stop in the laundry room. The second is a contemporary fiction novel of 89,000 words and is complete and I am currently seeking a publisher. I also write poetry but have not had the guts to share any with anyone. The one time I read a piece to a person their only comment was, “it doesn’t rhyme.” I will continue to write and hopefully my blog, Fiction Favorites at www.johnwhowell.com will provide some entertainment and an interesting thought or two. I live in the Austin area with my wife Molly and an assortment of loving pets.

Top Ten Things Not to Do on a Photo Shoot.

August 7, 2023August 6, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 71 Comments

This list ran on July 24, 2017. I think it is still current, at least for me. I hope you enjoy it.

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Top Ten Things Not to Do on a Photo Shoot.

This list was inspired by my Producer. We did a shoot yesterday, and the subject of Ten Things Not to Do came up. I have to admit publically that I only did number ten once. The rest – all fiction. I hope you enjoy the list.

10 If you are on a photo shoot, do not ignore the advice of your Producer. If you do, at best, you’ll have lousy photos. At worst, you’ll have bad pictures and an ex-producer. (See what happens when you ignore good advice, Pard?)

9 If you are on a photo shoot, do not take photos of people without permission. If you do, at best, you may have to run fast. At worst, you will take a lovely photo of Tiny, the WWF champ, before he can suck in his substantial belly. (Funny how that camera turned to dust in Tiny’s hand, huh, Tex?)

8 If you are on a photo shoot, do not try to get the whole picture while backing up to the edge of a cliff. If you do, at best, a fence will stop you from going over. At worst, you will be catching multiple shots of the cliff face whizzing by you. (It is now time to worry about the landing, Putz.)

7 If you are on a photo shoot, do not take too many pictures of the same thing. If you do, at best, you’ll waste camera memory. At worst, your Producer will believe you have some kind of fixation on the object. (Sure, you can explain away a building, but that person in a bikini is another matter right, Ferd?)

6 If you are on a photo shoot, do not take the shot until you check the camera settings. If you do, at best, the last setting is still okay for this shot. At worst, you will get home to find that the day’s best shot is a blur. (Oh, don’t worry, Buford. You’ll get another chance to photograph that rare bird in flight. Maybe in the next life.)

5 If you are on a photo shoot, do not take the shot until you check the background. If you do at best, all is good. At worst, that cute puppy in the background just decided to lift a leg as you pressed the shutter button. (And, of course, this is the only photo of the scene, hey, Bunky?)

4 If you are on a photo shoot, do not take photos of places where you see signs that say “No Photographs.” If you do, at best, you might get away with one or two with no flash. At worst, just as you are about to take the first photo, the word SECURITY appears in your viewfinder. (That guy is big and very close to you, Buzzy.)

3 If you are on a photo shoot, do not get carried away with the scene. If you do, at best, you may forget to set something. At worst, every one of your photos has the camera body strap or your thumb front and center. (Well, that was fun. Maybe the circus will return next year, and you can try again, Doofus.)

2 If you are on a photo shoot, do not enter private property to take photos. If you do, at best, you may be asked to leave. At worst, you might be unable to outrun that gigantic bull you thought would make a great picture. (You did see the “No Trespassing – Wild Bull” sign, didn’t you, Ace?)

1 If you are on a photo shoot, do not ignore the weather to get your shot. If you do, at best, you might get wet. At worst, that bolt of lightning sure cleared your sinus. (You know not to stand in water in an electrical storm, don’t ya, Bosco?)

Views of the Neighborhood – Water Sources for Deer

August 6, 2023August 5, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 98 Comments

For those who follow this blog, you know it has been hot here in Texas. In fact, I’ve talked too much about it. One item I haven’t mentioned is the deer. As you can imagine, the deer need water sources with all the heat. Today, we are taking a tour to see what folks are doing to supply deer water. We are catered by Cypress Cajun.

Grill of Austin. Our entertainment is Brad Paisley.

BRUNCH SPECIALTIES

Creole Eggs Benedict – English muffin, poached eggs, Cajun tasso ham, Creole hollandaise, served with one side (also available with classic hollandaise sauce)

Eggs Napoleon – English muffin, poached eggs topped with crawfish etouffee and cheddar-jack cheese, served with choice of one side.

Loaded Biscuit – Buttermilk biscuit open-faced, topped with Cajun tasso ham, andouille sausage gravy, and two eggs your way

Shrimp & Grits -Gulf shrimp, andouille sausage, and red peppers in a traditional low country gravy atop our creamy garlic cheese grits with crumbled bacon

Spanky Special -Sandwich with fried egg, American cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, red onion and mayo on toasted whole wheat

BREAKFAST STANDARDS

Cajun Hash -Andouille sausage, tasso ham, and boudin sausage sautéed with home fries, tomato, onion, and jalapeno, topped off with two eggs any way you like them.

French Toast -French bread, grilled golden brown, and topped with powdered sugar, served with one side.

The Bayou Breakfast – Two eggs any way you like them, plus any three sides

Buttermilk Pancakes – Three homemade pancakes with a choice of one side. Add Blueberries, Chocolate Chips, and Candied Pecans

Build Your Own Omelet – Three egg omelet with three of the following ingredients: andouille sausage, Tasso ham, mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, jalapenos, onions, Gulf shrimp, lump crab, crawfish etouffée, Creole hollandaise topping, parmesan, cheddar jack, or provolone Served with choice of one side.

Let’s go

An excellent stainless steel pan makes a good watering place.

A horse bucket does the trick.

Here is a doe leaving a Home Depot bucket.

Another Home Depot bucket. It’s not the best choice since Bucks can get their antlers stuck if the water level is low.

Speaking of Bucks. Here is a thirsty one in the sun’s glare.

Ah yes. A long, cool drink.

Another type of bucket.

A little blue one.

A tub and a hose.

That ends our tour. Time for food and music. I hope you have a great week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Pick a number”

August 5, 2023August 4, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 75 Comments

Thinking of the heat possibilities for the next ten days, the slow dribble of coffee and rising steam leads me to consider ice cubes in the brew. Shaking off the thought and taking the first sip causes the concern over hot stuff in the summer to fly out the window. Yes, it has been above 100 degrees F (37 C) for the last 28 days. The projection is for records in the above 105 categories (40 C) for the next ten days.

There is no choice but to hang on and pray that the power grid holds. This means dog walks in the morning and anything that needs to be done outside in the morning as well. We are expecting another stage of water conservation which will mark the end of watering any lawns that people have.

We have zero scape, so the water restrictions will not affect our garden. If this heat keeps up, though, I can imagine the time coming that will require a sponge bath in the sink. I think Twiggy will be the only one glad for the water reforms. Her love of bath is only surpassed by her love of a vet visit.

I am surprised that while watching the Weather Channel, the announcer breaks into the broadcast. “We have a message from Linda Hill,” is his lead-in. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “pick a number.” Choose a number—any number—and write about it any way you’d like. Have fun!”

Gotta wonder how Linda does it. Anyway, if you would like to see how others handle the prompt, visit Linda’s blog. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2023/08/04/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-aug-5-2023/

“What number did you pick?”

“One hundred is the number.”

“I guess you are all too familiar with it.”

“Yeah. It’s like an old friend.”

“Not sure I would put it that way.”

“You know we call this part of the summer Hell’s Back Porch.”

“So I’ve heard. When’s it going to break.”

“I figure a day before the freeze.”

“What freeze?”

“They are projecting a colder than normal winter for Texas.”

“Does it ever end?”

“Well, beats the alternative as they say.”

“Lucky we still have VoooDoo Ranger.”

“Speaking of that.”

“Uber is here already. He’s right over there.”

“What is that thing?”

“A road grader.”

“Why?”

“You ever ride on a road grader?”

“No.”

“So, a new life experience. Will help you forget the heat.”

“It will be so cool in the pub once we get there. I’ll be grateful right?”

“Now you are getting it.”

“Notwithstanding, I’ll be soaking wet from sweat.”

“Nature’s cool down technique.”

“Fine.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Goodnews

August 4, 2023August 3, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 72 Comments

Dogs arrive – Photo Denise O’Brian

You may have seen today’s good news story, but it is such a heart warmer I couldn’t pass it up. The story comes to us from USA Today. Here it is in its entirety.

Hundreds of dogs parade for man’s 100th birthday party

Saman Shafiq

USA TODAY

When Robert Moore’s family started planning his 100th birthday party, they wanted to make sure it was special.

There was going to be a big family dinner, of course, but since a lot of Moore’s friends are no longer alive, his daughter, Alison, thought including man’s best friend – dogs – in the celebration would be a good idea.

“My father loves dogs. He just loves them all,” said Alison speaking to USA Today.

A few days before the party, Alison shared a post on Facebook and Nextdoor explaining her idea and asking friends, neighbors, and members of her community in San Jose, California, to drop by for a parade with their dogs on June 17.

Robert Moore pets a dog at his 100th birthday party

Though her post was widely shared, Alison had little expectation and was prepared for only a handful of people to show up. However, hundreds of dogs and their owners lined up on the streets outside their house, waiting patiently to be petted by the birthday boy.

What was even more exciting was that the furry creatures arrived in all sorts of costumes, from tuxedos to cowboy hats and bumble bee costumes. There were pups riding in classic cars, as well as dogs with disabilities pulling carts.

“It was all so amazing,” said Alison. “I thought only a few would show up, and they’d just walk in front of the house and be done. But the response was so overwhelming. People not only brought their dogs but families also came with their little ones who wished my father a happy birthday.”

Denise O’Brian with her father Robert Moore – Photo by Denise O’Brian

Many of the surprise guests also brought gifts for Moore, including flowers, cupcakes, handmade drawings, and posters.

“My sister and brother-in-law picked him up from his assisted living center and told him about the surprise party,” Alison said. “He was shocked, but at the same time, he was so excited for it. By the end of the event, he was so overwhelmed [with the response].”

“He petted every single dog that came through. It was so lovely,” said Alison.

Denise O’Brien, who brought her father to the celebration, told USA Today that her father couldn’t stop “talking about that wonderful dog parade party.” She added that despite her father’s Alzheimer’s condition, he enjoyed every minute of the party and spending time with dogs.

Alison said that ever since pictures and videos of the dog parade were shared on social media, people have been reaching out to her to tell her how much they enjoyed seeing the celebrations and that they hope to do something like this in their own community as well.

The good news here is kindness is rewarded. Today’s JohnKu talks about paying it forward. I hope you have a great weekend.

Have you noticed that,

Kindness shown for no reason. . .

Comes back in no time.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy Has Ideas

August 3, 2023August 1, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 103 Comments

“Why the irritated look?”

“I would love to go outside, but it’s so hot.”

“That is for sure, Little one. Still in the 100s F and above 39 C.”

“How about going out the garage door then?”

“You’ve got to be kidding. It’s even worse in the garage.”

“Yeah, but think about the adventure.”

“The adventure? It is downright dangerous.”

“Not for a wiley seasoned pro warrior.”

“That is you, I suppose.”

“Darned right. Now open that door, and I’ll show you.”

“Sorry, but I won’t be responsible for your demise.”

“I’ll sign a waiver. You won’t be responsible.”

“I used the word responsible but meant I want to save you from injury.”

“Well, that is a different thought.”

“So let’s go and play with Bee Mine.”

“I’m still stuck on that part about saving me.”

“That’s my job. Also, I love you.”

“I know. Okay, let’s do the Bee Mine.”

Guest Andrew Joyce – #Newbook Redemption: The Further Adventures of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer

August 2, 2023July 30, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 81 Comments

I am happy to feature Andrew Joyce on Fiction Favorites. I have enjoyed Andrew’s work since I became aware of his writing. His stories are generally historical fiction, but he is also comfortable writing the memoir of a friend and the antics of his departed pet, Danny. I do not fear disagreement when I say Andrew’s work is compelling and hard to put down. Every book and story I have read of his has moved me in some way and left me richer for having read it.

Today, I want to introduce you to a book that Andrew wrote several years ago. He has since gone back into the story and completely revamped it to be more consistent with his current abilities. The book is his debut novel and an award winner, but Andrew always had some nagging thoughts that he could improve it. He turned those thoughts into action, and now a new edition of Redemption: The Further Adventures of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer is available.

Blurb

Three men come together in the town of Redemption, Colorado, each for his own purpose. Huck Finn is a famous lawman who does not hesitate to use his gun to protect the weak. He has come to right a terrible wrong. After his wife’s death, Tom Sawyer does not want to live anymore; he has come to die. The third man, the Laramie Kid, a killer Huck and Tom befriended years earlier, has come to kill a man. For these three men, Death is a constant companion. For these three men, it is their last chance for redemption.

Link to Redemption eBook: Redemption

Link to Andrew Joyce’s Author page

Bio

Andrew Joyce left home at seventeen to hitchhike throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico. He wouldn’t return from his journey until years later when he decided to become a writer. Joyce has written seven books and 143 short stories. One of which won the Writing Spirit Award for best short story of 2011. His first novel, Redemption: The Further Adventures of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer, was awarded the Editors’ Choice Award for Best Western of 2013. A subsequent novel, Yellow Hair, received the Book of the Year award from Just Reviews and Best Historical Fiction of 2016 from Colleen’s Book Reviews.

Joyce now lives in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

Tuesday Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Glasses

August 1, 2023July 31, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 70 Comments

You know the drill. Randomly open a book to a page and, without looking, put your finger on the page. The word or words closest to your finger is the prompt. Today, we have opened The Last Drive to page 91, and the word is ‘glasses.’

“Do you see better with lens one or two?”

“Two.”

“Two or three?”

“Three.”

“Three or one.”

“Three.”

“Okay, that does the exam. I have some good news for you.”

“I love good news.”

“You won’t need your glasses anymore.”

“Really? That is good news. What has changed?”

“According to the database, a new set of lenses has come in, and you are qualified to receive them.”

“I don’t understand.”

“When we last worked on your eyes, we had to give you the 2.1 version of the lens set. They were not the latest. Now the 3.0 version is available. This set will correct all the problems of the 2.1.”

“But the others were okay. With glasses, they worked quite well.”

“Yeah, but your new classification came through as well. You have been upgraded to warrior.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“Warrior bots have to have perfect uncorrected 20/20 vision.”

“Bots?”

“You got the briefing?”

“What briefing?”

“The orientation to AI briefing. You used to be a human, right?”

“Used to be?”

“Oh, dear. Hold on. Central? I need to report a programming snafu. Yes, in my office now. Okay. No, he won’t be going anywhere. He is still restrained. Good. Hurry.

Top Ten Things Not to Do While Camping

July 31, 2023July 29, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 96 Comments

This post ran on June 5th, 2017. I think folks still camp, so it may come in handy. I hope you enjoy it.

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The inspiration for this list was surveying the damage after the Memorial Day weekend. Several campsites were either blown or washed away. Such a situation caused the development of a list that might save others from a similar fate.

Top Ten Things Not to Do While Camping

10 If you are camping, do not arrive in the dark to set up. If you do, at best, you might accidentally choose a high dry spot. At worst, your camp was pitched in a low area that the forest animals routinely use as a freeway. (Nothing like having a family of Coyotes in your sleeping bag huh, Bradley?)

9 If you are camping, do not go to the site without having tested new equipment. If you do, at best, your stove has no fuel, and it’s trying to cook over a fire time. At worst, your water purifier kit is missing a part, and now you have nothing to drink but Bud Light. (Okay, so maybe you don’t mind, Buford, but the family looks like they are in the beginning stage of dehydration.)

8 If you are camping, do not think you will be immune to insect bites, and not take repellent. If you do, at best, you’ll have to hope the mud stops the itching. At worst, you might be the only member of the team to come down with malaria. (Who knew that the only Anopheles mosquito in North America had a crush on you, Leroy?)

7 If you are camping, do not take the weather reports lightly. If you do, at best, you have not planned activities that can be done in inclement weather. At worst, you may experience what it is like to be cold, wet, and hungry for several days. (You could have done the same thing in your backyard, right, Doofis?)

6 If you are camping, do not think you can buy more food at the campsite. If you do, at best, your trip will end early. At worst, your attempts to borrow food from other campers will be met with the same welcome extended to bears. (You also learned a lesson about challenging a bear at the dumpster, huh, Bunky?)

5 If you are camping, do not think your fellow campers welcome your loud morning wake-up music. If you do, at best, the park management will help you pack. At worst, Tiny, the WWF champ, having been advised by his anger management counselor to go camping for the peace and quiet, is now heading toward your site with a good morning greeting of his own. (It won’t help to ask Tiny to put you down. He’ll be thinking of a body slam, Tex.)

4 If you are camping, do not forget the first aid kit. If you do, at best, the rule of camping that says, “someone will get hurt,” might pass you by. At worst, in one day, your group will have two sprained ankles, a dislocated shoulder, a fish hook in the eyebrow, and poison ivy. (The funny thing is all these things happened to you, Burt, and it wasn’t even noon on the first day yet.)

3 If you are camping, do not count on a hot shower. If you do, at best, you’ll have to use a cold lake. At worst, you are now attracting wild things from the forest and are being asked to sleep outside the tent. (Your stubbornness regarding hot water is not paying off, is it, Buster?)

2 If you are camping, do not arrive at the campsite without a reservation. If you do, at best, a standby spot will open up. At worst, you, the family, and the dog will be sharing the backseat of your Toyota Corolla. (At least you all have learned what makes each of you really mad right, Putz?)

1 If you are camping, do not think you can recreate the luxury and convenience of your home. If you do, at best, you will come up short. At worst, the lack of electricity and air conditioning will finally push you over the edge. (You might as well admit camping is not for you, Ferd.)

Views of the Neighborhood – The Merci Train

July 30, 2023July 29, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 82 Comments

Linda Leinen, a remarkable historian of all things Texas, wrote to me last week with some information about The Merci Train. Here is a little about the train taken from the Merci Train Website, which is HERE.

The Texas site is HERE.

The Merci Train was a train of 49 French railroad box cars filled with tens of thousands of gifts of gratitude from at least that many individual French citizens. They were showing their appreciation for the more than 700 American box cars of relief goods sent to them by (primarily) individual Americans in 1948. The Merci Train arrived in New York harbor on February 3rd, 1949, and each of the 48 American states at that time received one of the gift-laden box cars. The 49th box car was shared by Washington D.C. and the Territory of Hawaii. Parades and welcome ceremonies were conducted in the state capitals and major cities of almost all the states.

The train’s boxcars are maintained in honor of all those who helped liberate France during World War II. The work being done by Veterans and volunteers. Linda further stated that the boxcar sent to Texas is at Camp Mabry in Austin. I couldn’t help myself, so off we went to see for ourselves. I hope you enjoy the tour. We are catered by Luties of Austin, and our entertainment is Edith Piaf.

Brunch Menu

Pastries
Croissant Pain Au Chocolat Kouign Amann Cheese Danish

Frozen Yogurt, Melon, Cucumber
Matcha Overnight Oats, Strawberry, Raspberry
Lemon Soft Serve, Granola, Apricot
Petit Aioli
Estate Bread, Saffron Honey, Butter Terrine
Turkish Eggs, Yogurt. Chili, Flatbread
Bagels with Almost Everything
Hangtown Fry, Oysters, Bacon, Tomato
Oyster Mushroom Hash Brown, Fried Egg, Radish, Habanero Yacoro Rojo Crêpes, Soft Scrambled Egg, Mornay, Black Trumpets Gulf Shrimp Omelette, Smoked Trout Roe, Hollandaise Barbecued Gulf Shrimp, and Grits
Croque Madame, Smoked Ham, Sunny Side Egg, Gruyere Waffle, Roasted Banana, Pumpkin Seed
Sourdough French Toast, Tumeric, Golden Raisins

Picture of an old time school bus

We are ready.

Here we are at Camp Mabry, an active military base.

The seal of gratitude and French flag from the people of France to the people of the United States.

A Forty and Eight boxcar from The Train of Gratitude (also called the Merci Train) shows the seals of all the French providences and the train seal itself.

The Forty and Eight explained. The car can carry forty men or eight horses without straining your eyes. The cars were used in the two World Wars to transport men and material to the front.

The display below the car shows items from left: The Life magazine article of February 28th, 1949, about the gift of the train, A World War I souvenir letter opener from 1918 to 1920, A Moroccan Koummya Dagger 1880 to 1940, and a German bayonet from World War I fashioned into a Simitar 1880 to 1918. The knives were gifts contained in the car.

The view of the other side of the car with a mannequin present showing the scale.

The French people gathered gifts and donated them to the effort. Some gifts, such as toys, dolls, and service medals, are very personal. All were from individuals. Here is a small sample.

The gift of a sword was included.

Morter and pestle

Handkerchiefs.

Horse drawings.

The front of a carving with the following story.

The back of the carving.

There were countless gifts in the car, and none of them are on public display. They are preserved at the Briscoe Center for American History on the University of Texas campus. You can see more photos of them by clicking the Texas link above.

Well, that is the tour. Now it is time to relax and enjoy the music. If you want to know more and find the car for your state, just click on the links above, then go to the banner and click on your state. There will be a location of the car for that state. I hope you all have a great week. Thanks to Linda for the heads up.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “One/Won”

July 29, 2023August 11, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 75 Comments

Serenity is having a cup of coffee and time to think of important matters. The machine has given up its addictive brew, and now, with feet up, the time seems right for those important thoughts. The first sip of nectar stimulates the brain into action. The first thought: One cannot live by bread alone. A good cup of coffee is the root of sustainable life.

Thinking that the important thought objective will be won congers the second: All things come to he who waits. A good cup of coffee is a virtue. Just as the third thought begins to bubble up from the subconscious, my ring doorbell detects a visitor. Grateful that the person heeds the “Do Not Ring the Doorbell” sign, a step over the sleeping Twiggy gets me to the security panel.

The tower machine guns are deactivated, the moat screen rolled, the concertina wire retracted, the boiling oil set to standby, the claymore mines detached, The trebuchet reset, the iron gate opened, and the locks and bolts opened. The front door is opened, and there stands someone who looks a lot like Bugs Bunny.

“Hi, Doc,” he says. “It’s my birthday, and I’ll cry if I want to.” He then hands me an envelope, which is from Linda Hill. “I was born on July 27th, 1940, and have decided you need some carrot cake.” Bugs then tosses a cake in my direction before turning and leaving.

Wiping cake from my eyes, I open the envelope. Inside is a message. It reads, Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “one/won.” Use one, use them both, use them any way you’d like. Bonus points if you use them both. Enjoy!

If you want to see how others handle the prompt, visit Linda’s blog. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2023/07/28/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-29-2023

“Squeeked by on that one.”

“Come on. I won it. Also, I need to thank Tom Okragly and Dan Conti for the Bugs information.”

“Yeah, but you had to take advantage of Bugs Bunny’s birthday to do it.”

“I call that fair.”

“Like a robber would say, he is ‘liberating the goods he steals.'”

“Where did that come from?”

“Deep thoughts from coffee.”

“Anyway, I did get the prompt done.”

“I suppose you can count it.”

“And I won the bonus. This calls for a drink.”

“Uber is waiting. Right over there.”