#RRBC Play it Forward – Matthew Armstrong

June 22, 2015June 21, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 11 Comments

Rave Reviews Book Club has begun a new program that has as a goal highlighting other bloggers and writers. The idea is to take a little bit of time to support someone who has a message to share. We call it the Bethany Turner Play it Forward program. The idea is to help promote others before yourself. This week I would like to re-introduce you an RRBC member since I originally ran this post on April 28th. His name is Matthew Armstrong, and as described on his Facebook page he is a Human Behavioral Specialist, Author, and Health Educator. Matthew has an objective of making sure each person he reaches with his message recognize and work toward developing their potential.

His website at http://buildingabrandonline.com/ provides advice on how to build a brand online. There a numerous helpful posts on how one can begin taking charge of one’s destiny.

His blog http://buildingabrandonline.com/beyourpotential has several detailed discussions on how to maximize potential. A visitor will find such subjects as:

5 Traits and Principles to Being a Successful Entrepreneur and Business Owner!

The One Thing To Overcome Anything!

10 Personal Development Quotes To Motivate You!

What is your Purpose in Life? How will you know your Purpose? Do what you are meant to do!

In addition, Matthew has a YouTube feature that has advice on all things including diet. http://www.youtube.com/beyourpotential/

Visit any one of these places and check Matthew out. His twitter handle is @mathewarmstrong if you would like to connect he also is on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BeYourPotential

Matthew has also recently published his first book of fiction titled Sex God: An erotic adventure of self-discovery available on Amazon.

Blurb

Unfulfilled in his marriage and life, Alex Sterling makes an indecent proposal to his wife, Angela, which sets them off on an erotic adventure of self-discovery, revealing dark and repressed parts of themselves. On the verge of losing everything that is most important to him, Alex is a man in early life crisis, playing a high-stakes game and going to extreme measures to save what he values most. Is he going through a mental breakdown or is this some sort of spiritual transformation? He has no idea as his grasp on reality crumbles and all his worst fears are inevitably realized.

Bio

Matthew Armstrong comes from Irish descent, attending the same grammar school as Oscar Wild — but only for a short while, as he was expelled for speaking his mind and not conforming. Through two decades of living and traveling in 6 continents, he has gained much life experience and studied many cultures and ways of life along the way. Originally an Author of non-fiction, covering topics from health, philosophy, relationships, spirituality & human potential, Matthew now finds his inspiration in writing fiction.

Tuesday – Anything Possible

June 2, 2015June 1, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 19 Comments

As those of you who often visit know, I sometimes come across things on the beach that strike a prompt chord in my writing head. This yellow bottle was no exception. I have never seen any trash wash up on the beach with anything but English or Spanish labels and directions. When I came across this Asian labelled bottle, I had to come up with a story to explain how it got to Texas. So here goes.

“Yes, your appointment is confirmed for Friday.”

“Thank you. It’s important that I am not delayed. I have a critical engagement right after.”

“Yes, ma’am. We will see you at nine o-clock, and you will be ready to go by noon.”

“Oh, that’s great. One more thing. Can I bring my shampoo?”

“Well we have a number of brands and they are complementary.”

“This is a special shampoo I got while I was in Japan. They say it’s magic the way it works.”

“You can bring your own. You say you got it in Japan?”

“Yes and right after my appointment I am catching a flight back to Japan so I will take it with me as well.”

“Don’t you worry. We will take care of you.”

“Great. See you tomorrow.”

Tuesday – Anything possible – A Story

May 19, 2015May 18, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 38 Comments

I came across this fifty-gallon barrel while riding on the beach. Although it is sturdy plastic, it still shows signs of extreme wear. As you can see, the bottom is completely ripped open. I can’t imagine how long the barrel was in the water but given all the bi-halves and algae it must have been a while. The discovery of a half-destroyed barrel naturally led me to a story that you will find below. Hope you like it.

“I like the barrel. what are you going to do with it?”

“I thought I would load it up with some important things and set it adrift in the ocean.”

“Why in the heck would you do that?”

“For science. I want to send a message to whoever finds the barrel that it is my barrel, and they should tell me where it is.”

“So you can go get it?”

“No. Just to see how far it traveled and where it ended up.”

“Couldn’t you do that with a bottle and a note?”

“Well, sure but what kind of statement would that make?”

“What are you putting in this thing.”

“I thought a computer so whoever finds it can see where it came from and can then just hook up and send me a message.”

“What happens if the barrel gets damaged or sinks?”

“Not going to happen. Look at this thing. It is waterproof and indestructible.”

“Okay, but I think you are taking a chance.”

“It will be fine. Oh, by the way, the computer I’m using belongs to my boss.”

“He let you use his computer? Is he nuts?”

“No. On vacation.”

Tuesday- Anything Possible – Short Story.

April 14, 2015April 14, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 20 Comments

These pictures are not a setup. I found the little man perched on a piece of driftwood just as you see him. So that you get some context, the next picture is further away.

I was amazed by the fact that this little figure washed onto the beach and took up a spot as if to say, “I was on a mission.” I took the opportunity to use this figure as a prompt for the following story.

Transmission number 674. Captain Log Entry 321.

The mission report is being submitted by Captain Swain transmitting my first post hibernation update. My mission for those of you who have monitored this flight these many years was to go out from our world and find a new place for our people. . The trees and flowers could no longer produce the supply of fiber needed to sustain life. Our planet has become congested and sick as a result. We are doomed to suffocate unless I find a new place. Those of you who will receive this report are probably on the verge of existing on little to nothing, and my heart goes out to you. My ship was one of the newer types built to sustain interstellar flight and equipped with life support for three years. Blast off was normal and activation of deep hibernation complete. I awoke to find the auto systems all functioning normally. The testing protocol determined I was in excellent health after such a long trip. The speed log recorded the average speed of travel at light plus velocity. The ship has placed itself in orbit around a beautiful blue planet that seems very much like our own. I have checked the sustainability factors and am ready to descend to the surface. The remainder of my transmission will be using the voice remote systems.

I have put on the protective suit and am in the airlock. The atmospheric readings indicate an ample supply of oxygen and a healthy mix of carbon dioxide and other gasses. Although not proven until I reach the surface it looks like this planet will be our salvation. I have released the lander and am descending. The rate is gentle, and I will attempt a water landing as I’m not sure of the soil composition. Splash down in five, four, three, two, one splashdown.

I am floating with the current. the ambient temperature looks to be seventy degrees. I see land at my ninety degree mark. I have deployed the upright floatation device and am now on land. The sea is calm, and I have cracked the forward hatch. I am about to leave the ship. Now on the ladder I will step into the water. I need to say something here. “One small step for a plastic man, one giant leap for all plastic kind.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible- Sequel to My GRL Estimated in June

April 7, 2015April 6, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 24 Comments

I got an e-mail Friday indicating the sequel to My GRL will be published sometime in June. The operating title of the sequel is His Revenge and is the story of Billionaire Matt Jacob’s desire to avenge the actions of John J. Cannon. John spoiled Jacob’s opportunity to score a spectacular event by blowing up the Annapolis Midshipmen on their summer cruise. John became a national hero, and Matt is methodical in his attempt to use this hero status to cripple America’s economy and to wreak havoc on America’s influence around the world.

Look for more details as they occur. I am not confident about the June date, but I thought it would be a nice jinx to announce it as tentative and then maybe it will happen. Once the date is firm, I will be calling for tour volunteers.

Thanks in advance for your help with this launch

Tuesday – Anything Possible

March 31, 2015March 29, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 18 Comments

Hey, I just wanted to take a moment to remind all you beautiful people to look over to the right on the sidebar. There is some interesting stuff over there and if you hang out in the reader you just might not have seen it for a while. Yes, I have a book for sale and there is a sample. Also, there are some nice folks who visit often and some badges that are worth a peek.

Thank you.

Tuesday Discussion – Anything is Possible

March 10, 2015March 8, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 11 Comments

I get a little lonely on Tuesday. This and Sunday are the two days of the week I have nothing planned to post. Since I’m a slave to writing this leaves a small pent-up place that needs relief. I think a good thing to do is to discuss anything that is relevant to the time. It just may be there is nothing going on and so no need to post (yeah right). Today I would like to post the opening of my WIP. I posted this on A Word with Traci last week in celebration of her It’s Reining Men Tour. It is a lot to ask busy people to click on links to read something. So now that you are here this is it.

Chapter One

So with nothing better to do, I figured I’d stop at Jerry’s place and grab a couple a drinks and a burger. Usually, I don’t go there on Saturday night since there’s a crap load of amateurs taking up what would be considered prime space. I figure since this is a weekday it will be okay. It is the kind of place where everyone minds their own business. Today’s events will probably not register with the people in the bar. They are there for a good time and will in all likelihood not notice me. Even so, I go through the door, stop and have a look around trying not to make eye contact. I’m hoping the ball cap, and large coat will keep me from being noticed. There’s the usual weekday crowd alright, hanging on each other like they never had a date before. I tighten my eyelids against the smoke and can make out four guys near the pool table and what looks like a couple a girls fetching drinks. I search for a seat beyond the table in the back, but they are all taken.

Straight ahead is the bar, and there is a place right in the middle. Getting my feet to move in the direction of the empty place I look over the other side. Happy drunks jam the tables. There’re buckets of empties and the barmaid’s trying to sell more. She’s not having much luck since most of these people just spent their last five bucks on this outing. Making it to the stool, I hoist myself up and lean on the bar.

“Hey Sammy,” Jerry says. “Whadda you have?”

“Evening Jerry. I’ll have a gin on the rocks with water back.”

“Coming up.”

I like Jerry’s no-nonsense way he handles things. He doesn’t like small talk and gets right to business. Feeling my eyes start to smart from the smoke I wonder how Jerry gets away with letting people kill themselves when it’s apparently not allowed in this kind of establishment.

“Here you go Sammy. Want me to run a tab?”

“Yeah, Jerry I would appreciate that. I intend to have another drink and then a burger.”

“No problem. Gimme the high sign when you’re ready for another.”

“Will do Jerry. Thanks.”

“For you buddy anything.”

I should mention Jerry, and I go back a ways. When I fell on hard times, he was the only one that seemed to give a shit. I take a sip of my drink and wait for the hot assed burn in my throat which signals the good stuff. There it is. I take a swig of the water and almost believe life is good. I think I’ll wait for the gin to get to the brain before making any judgment.

While I’m waiting for the warmth of the gin to go from my stomach to my head, I check out the folk sitting on either side of me. Not too friendly as they both have their backs turned to me and engrossed in some discussion with their neighbor. I figure it’s just as well since I don’t want to go through that old “what do you do” and “don’t I know you?” bullshit. I also don’t figure on staying the night, so no use in getting into any long discussions about life.

I look down at my drink and start to wonder what’s going to happen tomorrow. It’s gonna be Saturday, and my daughter Constance wants to come and visit. She lives in New York, and we don’t see each other often. It’s only an hour’s flight by the shuttle or three by train, but it seems like a world away. Her husband is a nice enough guy, yet I always wonder if he has someplace important to go when I visit. He never sits still and is on the phone or at the computer. He makes a good living, but it seems a person could take an hour to sit and talk. I was looking forward to some relationship when he and daughter got married. It’s never going to happen with him.

Taking another pull at my drink I notice the burn lessons. It happens every time. First sip initiation I call it. It’s like the first puff of a cigarette, hits ya hard then after nothing. I decide to let daughter pretty much have the agenda tomorrow. She and I have not had a chance to talk for a while. I think she blamed me when her mother ran off with that guy with the house on the Hudson. He has a title, and the old gal couldn’t resist, but I think the daughter always felt I should have done something. Her mother’s sleeping with another guy and what the hell can I do about that? I’ll just go with the flow. If she wants to go out, we will. If she intends to stay in we can do that too. I better think about getting some food in the house. Of course, we can always order takeout. I need to move on to my drink and let this go. Tomorrow will be what it is. I hope we can somehow get to the root of whatever is wrong. She sounded strange on the phone this morning.

For some reason, I feel pretty tired and think I will go ahead and finish my drink. Maybe I’ll just go home and forget the burger. First though I think I’ll just shut my eyes for a minute. My hands feel comfortable as I put my head down.

“Hey, Sammy,” Jerry says. I barely hear him. “What’s the matter you taking a nap? Sammy?” I can feel him shake me, but I have no interest in waking up. His voice gets further away, and I think he says, “oh my god Sophie call 911 quick.” Now the room goes silent.