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.

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 290 by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 58 Comments

In Keith’s words.

“Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next Monday.”

The Photo.

Kreative Kue #290

A Decision by John W. Howell © 2020

“Well, we are here.”

“Yeah, it looks like it.”

“Shall we go in?”

“What for?”

“The whole idea was to come here and seek sanctuary.”

“I know, but to look at it now, it seems overpowering.”

“It is just a building.”

“You can say that, but to me, it means so much more.”

“How’s that?”

“See those crosses on the steeples?”

“Yeah, hard to miss.”

“It is a sacred place, and we should be respectful.”

“We are respectful.”

“I mean, we should not be going in there just to. escape our fears.”

“Then, why?”

“We should be offering thanks for the blessings we have.”

“I will give thanks for the security the building offers.”

“By the way, how do you know that building is all that safe?”

“Remember when I went on that scouting trip?”

“Yeah.”

“I snuck in there and witnessed the rector having an allergic reaction.”

“What was he allergic to?”

“Get this. Cats.”

“Cats?”

“Yup. One of the parishioners came in with a cat. I can tell you I was scared out of my wits seeing that thing. Lucky, he didn’t see me. I suspected he had my scent the way his nose was twitching.”

“Then what?”

“The rector told her to take the cat out. He was allergic. He then started sneezing his head off.”

“So you are saying there is no cat there.”

“That’s why I chose this place. A mouse can’t be too careful.”

“Well, okay, but you have to promise we will give thanks for our good fortune.”

“Of course we will. Also, you will be glad to know the rector tends to leave a lot of crumbs after his lunch.”

“All the better. Any cheese there?”

“I think somebody moved it.”

“Figures. Oh well, crumbs will do. Let’s go.”

 

 

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the First American Motor Car Race in 1895

~ John W. Howell ~ 90 Comments
Frank Duryea – Duryea Wagon Company Wikipedia Image

 

This week is the 125th anniversary of the first automobile race in the US. The race took place in Chicago and was a 50 mile round trip between Chicago and Evanston. We should go and at least witness the finish. Don’t forget to take a list of things not to do to protect the time continuum. We will need James’ Oldsmobile, so climb in, and we’ll be off.

James’s 1956 Oldsmobile from Eternal Road – The final stop

Top Ten things Not to Do at the First Motor Car Race in the US in 1895

10 Do not complain when only six of the 89 racers entered actually made it to the starting line. If you do, at best, no one will care. At worse, you’ll be overheard by the editor of the Chicago Times-Herald, the sponsor of the race. ( It seems he is not in a good mood, Miikka. A freak snowstorm dumped ten inches of snow and prevented the other starters from showing up. I see he is handing you a snow shovel. Good luck clearing the first 25 miles.)

9 Do not tell Tiny, the WWF champ, that you would like to ride in his entry. If you do, at best, he won’t hear you above the engine noise. At worst, since he has to have a race official riding with him, he will assume you are trying to overweight his vehicle. (It is easy to explain a perceived slight away with Tiny. Of course, you have to allow him to toss you at least ten feet, Miklos. I know the landing isn’t always perfect.)

8 Do not place your money on the electric car entries. If you do, at best, you only bet what you could afford to lose. At worst, you put up the deed to your ranch. (You see, Millard. The two electrics that made the starting line had battery failure after a few minutes. So much for supporting green technology. It will be interesting to see you explain away a deed from 2019.)

7 Do not mention to the race organizer that you figure the race to last at least an hour. If you do, at best, he’ll think you are kidding. At worst, he’ll think you are drunk. (Although the race was only fifty miles, Milos took over ten hours for the first-place finisher to arrive. I noticed the organizer is pointing you out to a couple of Keystone cops. It might be a long night.)

6 Do not try to sell advertising to the first Benz team. If you do, at best, they will laugh. At worst, they’ll tell their sponsor, Macy’s of New York. (Don’t look now, Min, but I think that is a Pinkerton private investigator looking at you. I’m sure the Macy’s wonder what you are up to by soliciting their driver.)

5 Do not ask where you can get a Bud Lite. If you do, at best, someone will think you are talking about a candle. At worst,  you’ll ask a guy named Bud. (Good going, Minoru. Bud thinks you are mocking him, and now he wants satisfaction. He talks about a bare knuckle fight. I hope you have some boxing experience.)

4 Do not predict that one of the three Benz cars will be the winner. If you do, at best, everyone will ignore you. At worst you’ll make the prediction to Frank Duryea. (Nice move, Misha. Frank was the winner of the race in a car that he and his brother built. He is not happy with you,, so don’t try to get a selfie with him and his car.)

3 Do not belittle the $2000 dollar first prize for the winner. If you do, at best people will think you nuts. At worst, the sponsor will be highly up set. (That $2000 in 1898 is equivalent to over $60,000 in today’s dollars, Miska. That kind of money didn’t grow on trees. The sponsor has decided to toss you out. Good sailing.

2 Do not wait around for the second place finisher. If you do at best someone will buy you a drink. At worst, you’ll miss dinner waiting. (The second place car came in two hours later than the first, Mjolnir. It was a Benz and was the only other care to finish.)

1 Do not congratulate Mr. Macy on his car’s finish. If you do, at best he’ll not hear you. At worst, he will think you are putting him on. You see, Modi. The Macy sponsored Benz collided with a streetcar on the way to Evanston and with a sleigh and then a horse drawn hack on the return trip. It never made it back.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Corvette and Mustang Show

~ John W. Howell ~ 84 Comments

As the headline says, there is a Corvette and Mustang show here in Lakeway. We need to load the bus and then disembark at the display space when we get there. We will be setting up a buffet for your pleasure. Today we are serving cracked stone crab claws, fresh asparagus, fingerling roasted potatoes, station carved standing rib roast with horseradish aioli, fresh-caught sea bass, saffron rice pilaf, and assorted cakes and homemade vanilla ice cream for dessert. There are assorted wines and top-shelf liqueurs. We also have Lady Antebellum for your entertainment.

So everyone get on board, and let’s go.

Views of the Neighborhood

A vintage corvette. I’m sorry, but I didn’t get the exact years on a lot of these. This one is from the 80s.

Here is a new model.

If you ever wondered what a turbocharged Corvette looks like without its clothes, here’s one for you.

A 1980 Corvette. Hard to believe it is 40 years old.

A 1987 Corvette with special paint.

A 1979 Corvette with the Stingray emblem.

Two vintage Mustangs from about 1985.

A red 2019 Shelby Cobra flanked by two late-model Mustangs.

A 1965 Mustang GT that is 55 years old and looks brand new.

Another 80s model Mustang convertible.

1968 Mustang GT

Amazing color.

Unusual paint (US AIR Force) and custom doors on a 2020.

2020 convertible

About a 2008 Shelby Mustang.

Well, that is the tour. Stay have some more food and listen to the music. I hope you have a great week

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Last Thing I Put in the Fridge

~ John W. Howell ~ 65 Comments

 

 

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and Here is Linda Hill with this week’s prompt. She is carrying a big bag, so I’m guessing she has some whopper of a prompt.

“Hi, Linda.Looks like a big prompt.”

“Xray eyes?”

“No, it’s just that it’s a big parcel.”

“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “the last thing you put in your fridge.” Start your post with the last thing you put in your fridge. Let your mind wander from there. Enjoy!”

“Um, thanks, Linda.”

“See ya, John. Haircut warning.”

If you would like to participate in this joy, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2020/11/20/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-nov-21-2020/

 

The last thing I put in the fridge by John W. Howell © 2020

“Deep yogurt.”

“Huh?”

“I’m in deep yogurt.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I’m having trouble coming up with something to write about yogurt.”

“Why do you need to write about yogurt?”

“It’s the Stream of Consciousness prompt.”

“Yogurt? Goodness, the Hillster is really reaching.”

“No, no, no. She didn’t give yogurt as a prompt. We are supposed to write about the last thing we put in the fridge.”

“Yogurt was the last thing?”

“Yes, and what can you say about yogurt.”

“You could talk about flavor.”

“Vanilla.”

“Hmmm. Type.”

“Greek.”

“Yeah, well, I see your point. Maybe make up a story with yogurt in it.”

“And lose the reader entirely.”

“Well, with that prompt, you are going to lose them anyway.”

“Maybe a poem? I could incorporate yogurt into a poem.”

“Oh yeah. I can hear the Pulitzer committee calling right now.”

“Let me try.”

“Go for it.”

“‘I woke this morning.'”

“Going for a Haiku?”

“Yes. Hold on. Here’s the next line. ‘Confused as to what to write.”‘

“Um, okay.”

“Big finish now. ‘Picked yogurt, it’s deep.'”

“I think I would pass this week.”

“Why? It’s a good poem.”

“I don’t want you to embarrass yourself.”

“I’m going with it.”

“All righty then. I’m leaving.”

“Where you. going?”

“All this talk of yogurt has made me hungry.”

“For yogurt.”

“Heavens no. Thinking of a double bacon cheeseburger on a pretzel bun.”

“With fries?”

“Supersized.”

“Animal.”

“Want to come?”

“And leave my yogurt?”

“Suit yourself.”

“I’ll drive.”

 

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

~ John W. Howell ~ 55 Comments

 

“What’s going on you two?”
“I want the chipmunk toy and Twiggy won’t share.”
“Um-hum. Twiggy?”
“Well, I guess.”
“It’s Friday Ladies. Time for fun.”
“Chipmunk is fun.”

It is Friday and hopefully, you are as glad as Twiggy. We can now look forward to a couple of days to recharge. At least that’s what I do.

Not too much going on this week. We have increasing cases of Rona (I believe I know her well enough to call her by her nickname) and our county just upped the severity level to four. That means restaurants and bars need to go back to 50% occupancy and large gatherings discouraged. The parks remain open so mostly it is business as usual.

This weekend is the anniversary of the assassination of John F. Kennedy. It was over fifty years ago but to those of us who were in college at the time will never forget those days. The country came to a standstill as we mourned the death of the man we considered as “Our President.” Now the event has passed into history and those of us who were there are relics as well.

Today’s John KU talks about history. I hope you all have a great weekend.

Events by John W. Howell © 2020

We live through events,

That remain with us always . . .

History are us.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy and Twiggy and Courage

~ John W. Howell ~ 80 Comments

Lucy and Twiggy

“Lucy it’s Thursday. What should we do today?”

“You know the Boss takes photos on Thursday. I guess we should stand by.”

“I’ll tell you what I’m not going to do is chase that ball. it hasn’t been washed in ages.”

“I hear you, Little One. Hey, come here there is something at the fence.”

“What is it?”

“Not sure. I have my ear on it but hard to identify.”

“I don’t see anything.”

“There is some kind of funk smell here.”

“Maybe if I go on point the thing will flush out. I learned this in Field and Stream.”

“First off you are not a pointer. Secondly, that works in a field, not our yard.”

“Okay but I think it worked. There is something in the trees.”

“I’m still thinking no tree creature could make this smell.”

“So what do we do, Lucy?”

“Look we need to remain calm. Obviously, this is a mystery.”

“Whoa. What the heck was that noise.”

“If I didn’t know better I would say Cheeta, Little one.”

“What do you mean, ‘know better? There it is again.'”

“SHUSH. We need to prepare ourselves. I think we are surrounded.”

“I don’t hear anything anymore?”

“Don’t worry. I made it up. The Boss asked me what I thought would make a good storyline.”

Lucy and Twiggy

“You had me going there. So this was just for a photoshoot?”

“Yup. Wait a minute. What’s that noise?”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 75 Comments

 

“Twiggy, what are you doing?”
“Keeping my mind off Friday. I’m smelling the roses.”
“Great idea. Those are snapdragons though.”

 

It is Wednesday Story Day, and last week, we learned the plan to have American agents pick up Carolyn from the French and take her back to. The US in a private airplane. The question came up about the identity of the driver who was taking Carolyn to Paris. Pricilla asked her contact in the FBI if it was possible to ID the driver. The contact indicated that a satellite pass was coming up and would get back to her. I see her zoom call with her contact has begun. We better get back.

“Thomas here, Winters. What have we got?”

“We did get a shot of the driver, and we are running his image through the facial rec software.”

“How long?”

“A matter of minutes if this guy has a record. If no record, then almost impossible.”

“Yeah, I get that. I’m secretly hoping he is clean.”

“For Ms. Popović’s sake, I hope so too. Uh oh. I just got the info. Let me look at it a second.”

“That does not sound good.”

“Hmmm.”

“What does hmmm mean?”

“We have a problem.”

“Tell me.”

“It looks like the guy driving the car is one Andre Terrian with several AKA monikers. Long story short, he is a thug with ties to organized crime.”

“Any outstanding warrants?”

“No, unfortunately. Otherwise, the authorities could pick him up.”

“Couldn’t we call it suspicion of kidnapping of Carolyn?”

“There’s no evidence, and if Carolyn hired him, we would all end up with international egg on our face.”

“But we would have Carolyn.”

“Don’t forget the French Police Nationale are going to grab her anyway.”

“Yea, I got a little carried away. Do you think this thug intends on following Carolyn’s orders or is maybe working for Cortez?”

“There is no record here of Terrian being associated with Cortez. He’s pretty much a French thug.”

“it still makes me uncomfortable.”

“I know what you mean. Once they get off that train at Coquilles, we will all breathe better.”

“So, the train trip is about how long?”

“About 35 minutes.”

“And she is how far from Coquilles.”

“About thirty minutes.”

“your guys are how far from landing?”

“Two hours.”

“So, the French will have to hold her for at least an hour and a half or more if there are delays in the arrival of your guys.”

“That seems right.”

“That is not too long a time. Maybe nothing will go wrong.”

“Knock wood.”

“Yeah. You said it. If you hear anything more, let me know.”

“Well, there is just one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“There is a guy in the backseat as well.”

“What?”

“We can’t get a good look at him.  He is all slouched down. Looks like he is taking a nap.”

“Just swell.”

“We’ll keep trying, but I don’t think this means too much.”

“How so?”

“The guy in the back is dressed like a college kid. At least that’s the overall impression. I’ll bet it is a boyfriend.”

“I think I need to ask Popović’ about what he knows about Terrian and a boyfriend.”

“Good luck. Winter out.”

“Yeah, good luck indeed.”

 

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #289.

~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

In Keith’s words.

“Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem, anything, really, even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next Monday.”

The Photo.

Rise by John W.Howell ©2020

“Easy. Not too fast.”

“How’s this?”

“Just a little slower.”

“Okay, I’m almost at idle.”

“Yeah, that’s good.”

“What is so special about this morning.”

“You should see this bench covered in frost. It is beautiful.”

“What does that have to do with slowing down the rise?”

“I wanted to get a picture of it with the sun coming up. The contrast is amazing.”

“I’m not sure about you.”

“What do you mean?”

“What diety do you know has a Minolta camera and causes the sunrise to be slowed so he can get a picture.”

“Well, none. So what’s wrong with having a hobby.”

“You are a god for heaven’s sake. You don’t go around taking pictures, and you certainly don’t cause the sun to be delayed.”

“Didn’t hurt anyone.”

“How do you know. There might be some creature totally dependent on the exact time of sunrise for something important.”

“Oh yeah. Then why did you invent Daylight Savings Time.”

“You are going to bring that up again, are you?”

“Well. You haven’t been able to fix it since you introduced it.”

“Okay, okay. Let’s just drop it.”

“No more said about my camera?”

“Just one question.”

“Shoot.”

“Where do you display those photos anyway?”

“Got a guy named Keith who takes em and puts them on display.”

“Does he know the source?”

“He has no idea. He thinks he took them. Lucky for me, he is a little forgetful.”

“Lucky for him too.”

“Amen.”

“Nice.”