Wishing you and yours a Happy and Peaceful Holiday Season.
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.
Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Spruce
The aroma of coffee fills the air, and while a spruce-up of the machine takes place, a thought comes to me. When the machine delivers the coffee, there must be another trip into the past. The coffee pours forth from the spouts into my cup as if answering a wish. The crema finish lets me know the sipping time is near.
Drinking coffee and setting the clock to December 23, 1620. This is the day the pilgrims started the permanent settlement in Plymouth Massecuctiuts. The time on site is set for two hours; before the coffee is done, we are here.
There is much activity as the Mayflower dropped anchor two days ago in Plymouth Harbor. Today, the pilgrims begin work on dwellings that will shelter them through their brutal first winter in America. Miles Standish is leading the building efforts. The task is formidable since housing will be required for 102 passengers. In the meantime, the Mayflower will be used as the dwelling while the houses are built.
Miles Standish is agreeable to an interview. Getting past the awkwardness of trying to explain my presence, one question is asked. What is the biggest challenge so far? His answer is”Finding enough food for all these people.”
The alarm interrupted the conversation, and my warm living room displaced Plymouth’s cold and windy coastline. A text is coming, and it is from Linda Hill. It reads. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “spruce.” Use it as a noun or a verb, use it any way you’d like. Enjoy! You can visit her post if you want to see what other bloggers have done with the prompt. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2023/12/22/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-dec-23-2023/
Spruce by John W. Howell © 2023
“I thought you would go see Howard Hughes’ Spruce Goose.”
“That never occurred to me.”
“It was a giant plane built out of wood.”
“I know the story. I’m just saying it never came to mind.”
“So what were you thinking?”
“I focused on December 23 and remembered the Pilgrims were starting to build a permanent settlement.”
“I’ll bet the houses were made of spruce.”
“We don’t know that, but pine would have been more available given the location.”
“So, how was it at Plymouth.”
“Windy and cold.”
“I read where only 53 passengers and half of the crew survived that first winter.”
“Yeah. It was a tough one for sure.”
“Lucky for us, we have an established pub to go to.”
“And let me guess, you have ordered the Uber.”
“I sure have. It’s right over there.”
“Near that airplane.”
“The spruce Goose, you mean?”
“Where did all that water come from?”
“What’s the title of this blog?”
“Fiction Favorites.”
“Fiction means we have water.”
“So we fly to the pub?”
“No, we glide on our water. That’s allowed in fiction.”
“Well, okay, it should be fun.”
Friday JohnKu – AKA- TGIF – FRI-YAY/Good News
YouTube screengrab
He Crowdsurfed in a Wheelchair to the Stage, and Coldplay Pulled Him Up to Play Harmonica (Watch)
By Andy Corbley
Today’s good news story comes from the Good News Network. Here it is in its entirety.
It’s easy to think that being in a wheelchair means the end of activities that involve intense physical movements—like big wave surfing or, in Rob O’Byrne’s case, crowd surfing.
Rob is not someone who thinks this, however, and even though he lost all control of his body from his chest down, he still loves going to gigs, a favorite occasion from before his accident.
Rob has not let his disability impact his attendance at gigs. Being that he can sing but can only move one arm, he has taken up karaoke with a particular like of emulating the voice of Coldplay’s Chris Martin.
One of his favorite bands, they were in Dublin recently for a tour. Rob just had to be there. At a certain point, he told the Guardian, they released these big bouncy balls into the crowd. Concertgoers were having a riot playing keepie-uppie, and in the pursuit of this frivolity, two very large men fell over Rob, trying to reach one.
The men were very apologetic and decided to lift Rob, wheelchair and all, into the air to see better. A smaller stage sat just in front of the main stage connected by a causeway, and soon, the two men began to carry Rob closer to the small stage, with the crowd either parting or pitching in to carry him.
“I raised my arm in the air,” Rob remembers. “Eighteen months earlier, I wouldn’t have been able to do that—I’d had a tendon transfer, which helped me get back some muscle that I lost in my arm. I was the first person in Ireland to have that operation.”
Even though the security guards were screaming to put him down, Chris Martin helped pull Rob up onto the stage—in front of 80,000 people. Martin apparently asked him a few questions about his age and profession, then asked Rob to join with him in a simple song.
“He handed me a harmonica. I don’t play, but he said he’d look down when he wanted me to blow on it. He made up a song on the spot: ‘We’re in Dublin with Rob, he’s a PT,’ stuff like that,” says O’Byrne, who is a personal fitness trainer for people with similar injuries. “It was short but sweet.
After the show, he and his friends were elated going up Dublin’s O’Connell Street, Rob playing the harmonica—in which Martin had stuffed 50 euros—the whole way.
The news went viral and global, with musician friends as far away as New Zealand calling to express their jealousy that their wheelchair-bound friend had played music with Coldplay in front of more fans than they had cumulatively played for across their whole careers.
WATCH the video below, courtesy of Coldplay and the BBC…
Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy on the Hoof
“You know it’s cold out here.”
“For heaven’s sake, you have your cougar sweater on.”
“We Texas pups aren’t used to this below-freezing weather.”
“It is 43 degrees F (6 C). Hardly freezing.”
“I think I hear some deer breathing.”
“You can actually do that?”
“Well, no. Had you going though, didn’t I?”
“I guess you did. I never know how extensive your animal skills are.”
“I do think there are some deer out here. I can almost smell them.”
“You kidding me again?”
“Heck no. Over in those trees, I think they are gathering.”
“Let’s go over there and maybe catch a glimpse.”
“Okay, we don’t tell anyone about this.”
“Believe me, I wouldn’t want anyone to know you were stalking decorations.”
“I still say there are some over there.”
“I think it is time for dinner.”
“Okay. There’s that too.”
Tuesday Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 412 by Keith Channing
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 your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before Sunday evening UK time. 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. Thank you for taking part.”
Keith’s post. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2023/12/18/kreative-kue-412/
The Photo
My Horse by John W. Howell © 2023
“So I told the stable master that you need a new stall.”
“Why would you do that. Mine’s perfectly okay.”
“I think it is too small for you.”
“Are you saying I’m fat?”
“No, not at all. You are a big horse, is all.”
“I like the cozy stall.”
“But wouldn’t it be nice to just be able to stretch out?”
“I get to do that all day. Look at us now.”
“I mean when you’re sleeping. Wouldn’t it be great to totally relax?”
“I hate to say this, but when I’m sleeping, I am totally relaxed.”
“I wish I could do something for you that would make you more comfortable.”
“Well, there might be one thing.”
“Oh, yes. Just tell me what it is.”
“If we could ditch the person with the lead rope and ride wild like the wind, I would be more comfortable.”
“Aw gee. I don’t have the riding skills for that kind of riding.”
“All you would have to do is hang on.”
“That’s just it. I don’t have the leg strength yet.”
“Well, if you had the strength, does it sound fun?”
“Yes, it does.”
“Great. We’ll put that on the agenda.”
“One thing, though.”
“Yes?”
“Don’t tell my Dad.”
“Don’t worry. I don’t speak, Dad. Only kid.”
Top Ten Things Not to Do at the First Singing of Silent Night in 1818
This post ran on December 24th, 2018. I hope you can enjoy it again.
* * *
This Top Ten list of what not to do continues with a historical backdrop. On December 24th, 1818, the Christmas carol “Silent Night” composed by Franz Xaver Gruber was first sung at St Nicholas parish church in Oberndorf, Austria. If you time travel, here is a list that might keep you from making a mistake and prepare you for a Merry Christmas.
Top Ten Things Not to Do at the First Singing of Silent Night in 1818 by John W. Howell © 2018
10 If you are at the first singing of Silent Night, do not sing off-key. If you do, at best, the crowd will cover you up. At worst, the choir director will call a couple of big guys and have you removed. (We know you love to sing, Gerrald. You just have to sing more quietly.)
9 If you are at the first singing of Silent Night, do not try to avoid contributing to the collection plate being passed by Tiny, the WWF champ. If you do, at best, Tiny won’t notice. At worst, Tiny, who promised 10% of his earnings to the church, will take offense. (Being held upside down and shaken until the coins fall is not the best thing, Gerritt. It sure beats a windmill body slam, though.)
8 If you are at the first singing of Silent Night, do not wear your “Happy Birthday JC” Christmas sweater. If you do, at best, most will not understand the message. At worst, a six-foot-seven Knight of the Templer will take it upon himself to eliminate your sweater ( I think I would offer to take the garment off and do some kind of penance, Giacomo. Otherwise, he will keep applying pressure to your head.)
7 If you are at the first singing of Silent Night, do not arrive late for the service. If you do, at best, there will be a seat in the back pew. At worst, you will be directed to the front bench. (While you are taking that long walk, Gibson, the director, is holding his baton in mid-air, waiting for you to reach your seat. Good thing you wore a red scarf. Your face matches it correctly.)
6 If you are at the first singing of Silent Night, do not think you know the words, and avoid using the hymnal. If you do, at best, you’ll only be noticed by a few. At worst, the entire congregation will be nudging each other and pointing, as you get most wrong. ( You can almost feel the mocking, can’t you, Gille? Wait until you turn around to leave.)
5 If you are at the first singing of Silent Night, do not fall asleep during the sermon. If you do, at best, only the priest will know. At worst, your snoring is the subject of more than a few giggles. (Sadly, the priest decides to use you as an example of the sinning world. Oh, and don’t compliment the priest on his sermon on the way out, Gimle.)
4 If you are at the first singing of Silent Night, do not finish that 32-ounce big gulp tankard before you arrive at the service. If you do, at best, the service will be short. At worst, the service turns into the highest mass with the most ritual possible. (After the first hour, you are beginning to openly sweat, Girisha. I would pray harder for mercy.)
3 If you are at the first singing of Silent Night, do not wear your Long Live France t-shirt. If you do, at best, most will not remember the War of the Seventh Coalition in 1815. At worst, most of the congregation are veterans of the war. (It looks like you have hit a sore point, Guiliano. I think you might want to exit through the side door.)
2 If you are at the first singing of Silent Night, do not go a-wassailing for too many wassails before the service. If you do, at best, the cold night air will straighten you out. At worst, you’ll accidentally do a header into the pew in front of you. (I know you just meant to bow your head, Gleipnif. Try telling that to the spinster on whom you are laying.)
1 If you are at the first singing of Silent Night, do not try to sneak out without shaking the priest’s hand. If you do, at best, the side door will be unlocked. At worse, you choose the wrong door and realize you are now in the priest’s vestment room. (Funny how that door locked behind you, Godfrey. You will now have the pleasure of explaining precisely what you are doing here once the priest is finished shaking hands.)
Views of the Neighborhood – Decorations
Today, we will cruise the neighborhood and highlight some of the decorations. We are catered by Bufalina of Austin, and our entertainment is Carpool Karaoke.
Menu
pizza
marinara – tomato, garlic, oregano
margherita – tomato, mozzarella, basil, parm
red pie – tomato, double garlic, double parm, chili flake, oregano pepperoni
calabrese – tomato, salami, mozzarella, serrano, garlic, basil
taleggio – mozzarella, sausage, scallion
chinese broccoli – mozz, sausage, parm cream, calabrian chilis, garlic
fresca – mozzarella, prosciutto, arugula, lemon, parm
‘nduja – mozzarella, spiced pork sausage, artichoke, onion, parm
squash – mozzarella, chimichurri, pecorino, sesame seed
mushroom – mozzarella, caramelized onion, parm cream, piparra
anchovy – tomato, mozzarella, fennel, capers, basil, chili flake
Hop on the bus
Casual reindeer.
Our old friend, the armadillo
Mr. Happy Turtle.
Giant reindeer.
Scrooge’s decoration.
The Halloween house is decorated for the holidays.
A night view of the Halloween house.
A long view of the most extensive display.
A little closer shot of Santa and Rudolf, the red-nosed longhorn.
Another Santa.
Lovely scene
Peace on Earth.
That is the tour, so it is time to relax with food and entertainment. I hope you have a great week.
Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Bake”
With a cup of coffee, one can conquer the world. Or so it would seem. My machine is being very kind to me and producing the best of the best. After half a cup, the alarm comes to mind. Taking one last safty excursion to December 16, 1923. Notwithstanding all the advice last week from my dear friend the safe road is it. I certainly don’t want to bake my time travel cake half way.
The clock is set to December 16th 1923 ,7:00 PM, and the duration is set to two hours. The scene is a darkened theater and the movie Our Hospitality is playing. It stars Buster Keaton and is one of the most popular. The audience loves it and can’t seem to get enough. Also appearong is the movie is Natalie Talmadge, Joe Keaton, and Joe Roberts. It is very strange to be in a movie with people smoking. The screen gets harder to see as the movie finishes.
Moving to the lobby there is a poster for the movie playing next.
Slow as Lighting is playing next. It stars Kenneth MacDonald, Billy ‘Red’ Jones, Edna Pennington, Gordon Sackville. Not a title that is familar to me.
The alarm goes off and I land back on the couch. I receive a text from Linda Hill. It says Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “bake.” Use it as a noun or a verb, use it any way you’d like. Have fun!
If you want to see what other bloggers do with the prompt visit Linda’s post. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2023/12/15/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-dec-16-2023/
Bake by John W. Howell © 2023.
“Well I see your 100 year deal continues.”
“Yeah well I sure don’t want to make a mistake.”
“Okay I get that. Do you want me to go with you on the next?”
“Nice of you to offer but that isn’t necessary.”
“Why not. I would love to bake time travel into my experience cake.”
” think we would be falling over each other and then there’s the issue of the time continuum.”
“What’s that.”
“Something that we can’t disturb.”
“Like I would.”
“I’m just saying that anyone who would order a leaf vaccum for an Uber ride is capable of tearing the time continuum.”
“I thought it was aneat ride.”
“See. My point exactly.”
“This diascussion leads me to want a VooDoo Ranger.”
“Can’t wait to see wht you ordered from Uber.”
“It has plenty of room.”
“So does a cattle car. Can’t wait to see what you have.”
“There it is.”
“OMG.”
“It’s all decked out for the holidays.”
“Who are those people on there?”
“Carolers. They are going to sing some carols.”
“Is there hay on the wagon to keep us warm and hot chocolate.”
“No on both. We are after VooDoo Rangers not flavored lactose.”
“Well, still woud have been nice.”
“Come on. You a Ranger or a wimp?”
“Just glad I brought a coat we are not exactly going to bake in the sun in that thing.”
“I hope you are happy to get that prompt off your chest.”
“Very. Lets go.”
Friday JohnKu – AKA -TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News
Today’s story is from the Associated Press.
A sea otter pup found alone in Alaska has a new home at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium.
CHICAGO (AP) — An 8-week-old arrival from Alaska chirps loudly before devouring ice chips in the nursery at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium.
He is Pup EL2306 — proper name to be determined — a northern sea otter who was found alone and malnourished in the remote town of Seldovia in October and taken to the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward.
Shedd, one of only a few facilities in the United States with the resources to care for rescued otters, was contacted by the SeaLife Center, and the aquarium’s otter team made the cross-country journey with the fluffy brown marine mammal who arrived in Chicago at the end of November.
“Caring for a little otter pup is just like caring for an infant,” including round-the-clock feeding, said Lana Gonzalez, a manager of penguins and otters at Shedd. “He also needs to get groomed. Sea otters have a very dense coat — there’s anywhere from 700,000 to a million hairs per square inch, and that’s what they use to keep themselves warm. They don’t have a thick layer of blubber or fat like other marine mammals do, so taking care of that coat is very important.
An otter mother would typically teach her offspring to groom. The aquarium team acts in her place to encourage the pup’s healthy development.
An eight-week-old sea otter rescued from Seldovia, Alaska, chews on ice chips in his enclosure at Shedd Aquarium Wednesday, Dec. 6,
The pup will remain in Shedd’s Regenstein Sea Otter Nursery for a few months, building bonds with the staff, and he will eventually be introduced to the otter habitat and the five other otters at the aquarium.2023, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Part of the growth process is moving pups from formula and small bits of clam to other solid foods. Gonzalez mentions the clam is “restaurant quality” and sustainably sourced.
Rescued pups are usually designated by the federal government as non-releasable, and the Shedd experts said pups need their mothers for the first year of life.
“Once we bring him into our care, he won’t be released back out into the natural environment, they’re just too used to people. But the good news is that he’ll be able to be an ambassador for his species here at the aquarium, so we’re really happy about that,” said Gonzalez.
The good news here is that a life was saved, and there are people who care about wildlife welfare. Today’s JohnKu talks about wildlife rescue. I hope you have a great weekend.
Life by John W. Howell © 2023
What is the measure?
Placed on a life worth saving . . .
Only human count?
Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Her Leash
“I’m just going into the backyard. Why the leash?
“We need to protect your leg in case you have a wild moment.”
“A wild moment? Haven’t had one of those in weeks.”
“Yes, and we must keep it like that until the end of January.”
“I don’t know, but visiting the backyard with a chaperone is not the same.”
“It won’t be forever. Just think how far you’ve come.”
“Yeah, well, at least I’m walking better. Those leaves back there need some attention.”
“You are walking better. I know about the leaves. They will be done tomorrow.
“Maybe we can take a quick sunbath. The sun is warm.”
“That’s the spirit. You want to lay on the lounges?”
“Um, no. The sun isn’t that warm. We need a geophysical boost.”
“A geophysical boost? What’s that?”
“Black rocks and exposed groundcover where Mom pulled a plant.”
“Oh, I get it. The rock absorbs the heat, and so it’s warmer there.”
“I have to wonder sometimes what they taught you in college.”
“I may have missed the class where they covered how to get warmer outside.”
“I think you guys have lost some of the skills necessary to survive out here. Too many comforts.”
“Says the dog who never wants for a thing.”
“Yeah, but I still keep my instincts sharp.”
“Like chasing things til you blow out a ligament?”
“Okay, there’s that. Let’s go in. It’s a little chilly.
