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.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

~ John W. Howell ~ 41 Comments

Funny Friday

 

Another week has flown into history. I am happy to see Friday’s shining face. A lot of work got done this week, and I’m looking forward to the weekend. Last weekend saw the demise of my old lawnmower. I have had it since 2001, and it has serviced me adequately all these years. Last week it stalled, and when I pulled the starter rope, the engine came off the platform. I guess the metal just couldn’t stand the strain of coastal living. So I bid a fond farewell to an old workhorse. I did buy a new one and can bet it won’t last sixteen years. Today’s JohnKu is about wearing out. I hope you like it. (It may not be just machines)

Break Down by John W. Howell © 2016

One day working fine,

Next day a major breakdown . . .

No way to predict.

Wednesday Story Time – AKA Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 39 Comments

 

funny college

Last week we left the Worthe’s surrounded by a SWAT team, and Ralph was on the phone with the SWAT negotiator. It appears that Father Lightfoot is now a hostage and Ralph is threatening to shoot him unless his demands are met. We have no idea what those demands are but better go back and see. This week’s Wednesday Story Time is brought to you by Texas writer Jan Sikes. She has an excellent series of books, based on a true story and you can visit her blog to learn more. Here is the link. http://www.rijanjks.wordpress.com Now let’s join the Worthe’s and all the fun they are having.
“Okay, okay Mr. Worthe. Before I hear your demands, I need to make sure Lightfoot is okay.”
“He’s okay.”
“Not that I don’t trust you MR.WORTHE but I will need to talk to Lightfoot.”
“Ain’t going to happen. Take my word; he’s okay.”
“I guess this call is over then Mr. Worthe. Please enjoy the rest of your day.”
“Wait…Okay, I’ll put him on.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Hello.”
“Lightfoot is that you.”
“Yes, commander it is.”
“Are you hurt.”
“I think Worthe cracked one of my ribs with that pea shooter of his.”
“Can you still function?”
“Yes, I was wearing a vest. Worth has his .22 pointed at my head, though.”
“What about the rest?”
‘All in the kitchen with me.”
“Okay good. Try to keep them there.”
“gotta go commander. Bye.”
“Wait. Lightfoot?”
“No, it’s Worthe now.”
“Mr. Worthe. I want to assure you that as long as no harm comes to Agent Lightfoot, you have my word that you and your family will be safe.”
“Safe? You calling living under Marshall Law safe?”
“Marshall Law? Whatda you talking about?”
“As if you didn’t know. You and your agencies have been spying on us for years.”
“Mr. Worthe. Please stay with me. I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Yeah, sure you don’t. How would you like to live in fear for your whole life.”
“Uh. Mr. Worthe? You okay?”
“You’ll see all right in a minute.”
“Mr. Worthe you haven’t told me your demands.”
“Maybe it’s too late for demands. Worth out.”
“Worthe. Mr. Worthe. Hello, Mr. Worthe. Damn the line’s now busy. Hello, Central.”
“Central go ahead.”
“Worthe just hung up. I tried calling back and get a busy signal. Need the authorization to breach.”
Well, this does not look good for the folks in the house. We’ll have to wait and see if the permission to storm the house is given or maybe if Ralph comes to his senses and comes back on the line. Please visit today’s sponsor Jan Sikes and check out her new book. http://www.rijanjks.wordpress.com Till next week then.

Meet Gwen Plano – #RRBC #Push Tuesday Honoree

~ John W. Howell ~ 19 Comments

Gwen Plano

 

Rave Reviews Book Club chooses various authors to be honored with an extra push on Tuesdays. This week’s honoree is my friend and fellow broadcaster, Gwen Plano.

Gwen's Blog TalkGwen's Lifetime award

Here is a little about Gwen

She serves as Host of BEHIND THE PEN BlogTalkRadio Show  and is Co-Host of the Aspire to Inspire radio show . She lives in Branson, MO, where her husband and she enjoy live theater and musical performances in the beautiful Ozark Mountains. After spending their working years in California and the greater New York area, They decided to take the leap and settle in the heartland of the United States. It is no surprise that their seven children remain on either coastline. Their children and ten grandchildren are the biggest reason for their travels throughout the year!

Gwen's book

Her book, LETTING GO INTO PERFECT LOVE, is a memoir that covers an expanse of time, as well as a breadth of experiences both challenging and divine. Its sequel hides in stacks of papers and post-it notes, awaiting Gwen’s attention. Perhaps this year…

Blurb

Letting Go into Perfect Love is a riveting account of a journey through the terror of domestic violence to a faith that transforms all. As a college administrator, Gwendolyn M. Plano lived her professional life in a highly visible and accountable space–but as a wife and mother, behind closed doors, she and her family experienced unpredictable threat. The statistics are staggering–every 9 seconds in the United States, a woman is assaulted or beaten–but to Gwen, this was her secret; it was her shame. When her husband eventually turned his brutality on her son, she knew she could no longer remain silent.

Alternately heart-wrenching and joyful, this is a story of triumph over adversity–one woman’s uplifting account of learning how to forgive the unforgivable, recover her sense of self, bring healing into her family, and honor the journey home. Accompanied by glimpses of celestial beings, Gwen charts a path through sorrow to joy–and ultimately, writes of the one perfect love we all seek.

Integral to Gwen’s journey is her faith. Because of her Catholic upbringing, she struggles with the scandal of divorce but finally makes her peace. When her daughter reveals her molestation by clergy, however, her fragile sense of serenity dissolves. We walk with Gwen as she tries to make sense of this horror. The agony experienced by the entire family is devastatingly palpable. Against all odds, Gwen emerges confident of her faith and begins to see the threads of meaning in even the darkest moments.

Visit Gwen at gwenplano.com

Or on Facebook facebook.com/GwendolynMPlano 

Tuesday – Anything Possible – A Trip to Indiana

~ John W. Howell ~ 42 Comments

While traveling to Detroit for a memorial service I touched down in Indiana to visit with my eldest daughter, son-in-law and two of the three grandchildren (The third is in Germany). Many years ago I lived in the northern part of Indiana, but this trip was to Nashville which is south of Indianapolis. The area is gorgeous and to these Western eyes so green you have to squint. There are some impressions that I will share. Also, there are way too many pictures, so I’ll confine my discussion to one historical part of the town.

Here is a photo of the Brown County Historical Society old location. (The new is up the street in a new building) It is a community building built around the 1830’s.

Historic building

One other building built around the same time is the jail. Seems that whenever people congregate there are some that can’t follow the rules.

Jail

This next photo is of the interior of the jail. The walls are almost a foot thick, and there are two cells. One on the main floor (pictured) and one on the top floor.

Jail

This next photo demonstrates two things about this part of the country. 1. How modest the people are in requesting funds. A twenty-five cent donation? 2. How un-politically correct the curators are in warning you about the buildings condition. The sign warns that the buildings are not up to code and never will be.

sign on jailhouse

Here is the blacksmith’s shop. A view outside and inside.

blacksmith

The stool is not a period piece. I think the smithy has a tender butt.

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No town would be complete without the doctor’s office and apothecary. Given the building’s architecture, one could argue the doc was from back East.

Drs Office

This next photo also tells a little about the mindset of the people of Indiana. They have an incredible level of honesty, and it is reflected in the trust of others to be the same.

Water cart

The final photo is of the covered Bean Blossom Bridge. It was built in the 1880’s and is still functional.

Covered bridge

The area around the bridge is so quiet and serene it would be a perfect place to contemplate the next novel. Looking down the slow-moving creek played idly against the banks and the small trout could be seen darting from one flat rock to another. Time could stand still. Next stop Willoughby.

 

Ten Things Not to Do During a Full Moon

~ John W. Howell ~ 52 Comments

 

 

Full Moon

Since last night the Hunter’s Moon was full, I was inspired to give some thought as to what we should never do during a full moon. I hope you enjoy it. Oh, for you scientists out there this is all made up. I write fiction, so when looking for truth, I would suggest anyplace, but here.

Ten Things Not to Do During a Full Moon

by John W. Howell © 2016

10 If there is a full moon, do not go into a graveyard just to see what will happen. If you do, at best you will challenge your all time best heart rate. At worst, the total recall of Blair Witch Project will have you running for your life. (So you thought you had everything under control didn’t you?)

9 If there is a full moon, do not ask that cloaked stranger for directions. If you do, at best it will be too distracted by the moon to answer you. At worst, it will offer you a ride which is your last. (Those hairy hands should have been a big clue)

8 If there is a full moon, do not back into any rooms period. If you do, at best you might trip and fall. At worst, that snarling thing that you thought you saw in the backyard is now on your back. (Every movie goer knows better, Bunkie)

7 If there is a full moon, do not act on the urge to make hay. If you do, at best there won’t be a lot of grass where you live. At worst, the farmer will think you are poaching his hay and call the police. (Or worse yet use that rock salt-loaded shotgun to clear his field.)

6 if there is a full moon, do not think your neighbors would appreciate a serenade about the moon and a spoon. If you do think so, at best you will suddenly realize why the term “rotten tomatoes,” is used to rate talent. At worst, the magistrate will have a tough time trying to justify letting you go free. (Maybe the psychological evaluation will put everyone at ease)

5 If there is a full moon, resist the urge to skinny dip. If you can’t, at best a quick dip with no one, the wiser will be your fate. At worst, after the dog takes your clothes and you are chasing him the spotlight of your neighbor’s security system bathes you in the light of high noon. (There is a tape that goes with that light, and your neighbor has a pretty high price tag on it)

4 If there is a full moon, under no circumstances do you need to harvest anything. If this advice falls on deaf ears, at best stick with canned goods. At worst, your quest for a fresh pumpkin at Whole Foods after hours could net you a free night in the county lock-up.( Your roommate Tiny is just not the type to feel good about you after the slamming cell door at midnight.)

3 If there is a full moon, do not argue with the traffic officer who just pulled you over. If you do, at best you’ve guaranteed yourself a ticket. At worst, the officer may be a graduate of an anger management treatment series. (Seems that his events are always triggered during a full moon)

2 If there is a full moon, do not enter a political chat room with the idea of defending your choice for President. If you do, at best you will be able to turn off your computer. At worst, somehow the room has discovered your real identity and are threatening to come right over. (Looks like you might need to leave town for a while huh Grover?)

1 If there is a full moon, do not answer your door or your phone. If you do, at best it will be someone you know. At worst, there will be a character you’ve never known saying, “I know what you did last summer.” (Yeah, this one is bad. You need to run now.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Plywooden Boat Festival

~ John W. Howell ~ 44 Comments

The sign below says it all. This is the Plywooden (Not plywood. Thank you, autocorrect) Boat Festival.

Plywooden Boat

This is an annual event that brings boat builders from all over Texas. The main material in the boats is plywood but since that word gives visions of poor quality the correct term is Plywooden. As you will see there is a whole host of different boats and all built by hand.

Plywooden boats

This first photo is of a unique sailboat. It has the look of a 1950’s Studebaker. Also take a look at the little bay boats to the right. The next photo shows one under construction.

img_0509

Here is a long-boat that is powered by oars

img_0511

If you want a cozy sailing yacht here would be your choice. (Watch your head when you go below)

img_0512

For a quick run about this may do the trick. You will have to be careful you don’t go airborne.

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Here is another compact sailboat. You could even put it on top to the SUV with grandma.

img_0514

Now for real crusin’ here is a fully outfitted salon.

img_0515

Here is a guy working on his kyack. Looks beautiful in the natural color.

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For the fisherman here is a bay fisherman. All hand-made.

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Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Screen”

~ John W. Howell ~ 43 Comments

 

SOCS

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This week’s prompt is “screen.” Linda Hill in her benevolence says we can use it any way we want. I don’t know about you, but there are only so many ways to use “screen.” I will do my best but am not counting on extra points. If you would like to join this happy crew, go to Linda’s post and read all about it. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2016/10/14/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-oct-1516/

Screen by John W. Howell © 2016

“Don’t slam the screen do—”

“What?”

“Never mind. It’s too late.”

“Too late for what?”

“Slamming the flippin screen door.”

“Oh. Sorry. I’ll try harder next time.”

“Sure you will. Where’ve you been?”

“I was at football practice.”

“So late? How come?”

“We were working on a screen pass.”

“Screen pass? What’s that?”

“Do you know what a shotgun offensive line up is?”

“No.”

“Let’s not get into a screen pass then. Way too complicated.”

“Aw come on. Can’t be that tough.”

“Okay, the quarterback—”

“Who?”

“Aw. Just trust me. It took extra time.”

“I got your application ready for the screening committee.”

“Oh super. Let me look.”

“It says here that I’m an honors student.”

“Yeah. So?”

“I have all C’s”

“You don’t cheat do you?”

“No.”

“You have honor.”

“I don’t think it works that way.”

“Well, it should.”

“You also have me down as a member of the band.”

“You play the guitar, right?”

“How can I be in the band when I play football.?”

“Okay take that one off.”

“I’ll tell you how this screening is going to go. I’m going to be screened out.”

“Who wants that school anyway?”

“I do.”

“Good luck then.”

“It is going to take more than luck.”

“I know that’s why I padded your application a little.”

“How do I get ahead by cheating?”

“Remember the whole idea that anyone can become President ?”

“Sure.”

“Well, there you go. Cheating doesn’t count anymore. Go for it and don’t slam that screen do—”

 

 

Friday – JohnKu – AKA -TGIF

~ John W. Howell ~ 61 Comments

TGIF

 

Another Friday has been bestowed upon us. I think it came just in time. This last week was hectic and it didn’t help to start it off with a Presidential debate. Someone said the debates are like two divorcing parents fighting over the custody of us and all we want to do is go live with grandma. That pretty much wraps it up. The good news is the bickering will be over by November 8th and then the fun of living under one of the incompetents will begin.

It would be nice to be able to ignore government but since we have allowed the Gov to step into every aspect of our lives that won’t be possible. Air , water, income, health, food, and safety have all been assigned to the Gov to handle. Those we elect to represent us no longer do that well which causes thinking folks to wonder why they are still representing us? We can only hang on and hope for the best. My JohnKu puts a positive spin on the situation. I hope you can laugh and have a wonderful weekend.

Politics by John W. Howell © 2016

They argue and fight,

Finally one gets the nod. . .

There’s no difference.