Category: Uncategorized

Friday JohnKu – Cherished Blog Event

~ John W. Howell ~ 69 Comments

Typically I run my Friday JohnKu today, but since I’m participating in the Cherished Blogfest, I will post a JohnKu next week. The cherished Blogfest is a three-day event where bloggers write about a cherished item. If you would like to participate or just want more information here is the link to the site.

https://cherishedblogfest.wordpress.com/2016/06/26/cherished-blogfest-2016/

Cherished Blogfest

My Cherished item is a gold pocket watch that my grandfather carried. He was quite a man. Although he died in 1932, long before I was born, his legacy has continued through the years. Like all the men in our family, his name was John and unlike all the men in our family, he became a surgeon. He practiced medicine until his death. He was a field surgeon during World War I and suffered mustard gas wounds but managed a medical career in spite of his ailment. He is interred in Arlington National cemetary in recognition of his service. His watch is a treasured and cherished item.

Grandfather's watch

Here is the view of the face. The watch was made in Elgin Illinois by the Elgin National Watch Company in 1889. These watches were made on a production line and were very popular. Although not the cheapest they were not the most expensive either. The fact that it is over 100 years old is a tribute to the craftsmanship.

Grandfather's watch

Here is a picture of his headstone which carries his permanent military rank of Major and his home state of Missouri.

Grandfather's headstone

Ten Things Not to Do at an ART Show

~ John W. Howell ~ 20 Comments

The inspiration for this list is some art shows going on here in South Texas. I can’t say I have done any of these things but have certainly witnessed some of them. I hope you enjoy.

Art show.

Ten Things Not to Do at an Art Show

10 If you are attending an art show, do not touch any of the art. If you do, at best you’ll be reprimanded by the artist. At worst, that blotch of tomato sauce from your stromboli which now sits on the piece of art marks it as yours. (You always wanted to own a painting with the obsessive/compulsive title “My Evil Obsession.” didn’t you Slick.)

9 If you are attending an art show, do not ask the artist if they give a discount. If you do, at best you will have to listen to a monologue about the value of hand-crafted art. At worst, you will be called certain names which you probably haven’t been called before. (That peyote sure gets those artist folks fired up doesn’t it?)

8 If you are attending an art show, do not sit in a chair that is clearly a work of art. If you do, at best you will be asked kindly to get up. At worst, you might face Tiny, the WWF ex-champ who is also a very close friend of the artist. (That crack you just heard better be a bone and not the chair.)

7 If you are attending an art show, do not interact with an exhibit that has a sign “Look but don’t touch.” If you do, at best nothing will break, and you’ll make a clean getaway. At worst, although fun the cost of that broken piece will keep you on peanut butter sandwiches for months. (Who ever heard of a wind-up toy that doesn’t wind up?)

6 If you are attending an art show, do not let your kids run helter skelter through the exhibits. If you do, at best the organizer will return them to you with a stern warning. At worst, your youngest will come screaming to you with a ransom note demanding payment before the release of the others. (A bit costly for a few minutes entertainment. Wouldn’t you say?)

5 If you are attending an art show, do not pick up objects to see how they feel. If you do, at best you’ll be lucky and not drop one. At worst, that eagle feather that looked so light will turn out to be made of concrete that unfortunately broke in two as it took out the mirror covered table. (A two-finger lift was not the best way.)

4 If you are attending an art show, do not try to impress the artist if you know nothing about art. If you do, at best you will confirm you know nothing. At worst, the artist will kindly listen and then call upon the local shaman to strike you mute. (Was fun listening to yourself talk until you couldn’t any more right?)

3 If you are attending an art show, do not eat anything while touring the booths. If you do, at best most of the artists will warn you away. At worst, you could be the proud owner of an unusual weaving kissed with Philly Cheesesteak juice. (Wasn’t your fist choice was it?)

2 If you are attending an art show, do not try to barter your books for a piece of art of your choice. If you do, at best the artist will say they have already read your book. At worst, the artist will flip through your book and hand it back. (You didn’t need to hear that they don’t ever read your genre.)

1 If you are attending an art show, do not think your purchase has a money back guarantee. If you do, at best you will be embarrassed when you try to bring it back. At worst, the artist will be insulted that you didn’t want to keep the precious item. (That lawyer they hired just won’t go away darn it.)

 

Views of the Neighborhood

~ John W. Howell ~ 36 Comments

My apologies in advance for a somewhat random post. I began the day with the desire to put up some pictures of a few of the unusual ways businesses attract customers. We have our share of sharks and Octopuses, but there are a few others. As I was heading out, I happen to catch a photo of a gray heron in our backyard. He wanted to pose so I thought what the heck. Here he is.

Herron

Then walking on the beach, I came across this bouquet of flowers. My imagination took hold, and I decided a brokenhearted lover who lost his true love to a boating accident made a visit to the beach and brought her a gift. Well, that’s my version maybe you have one of your own.

Memorial

Finally, I turned my concentration to the project at hand, unusual ways to attract customers. The first I call, “shower your customers.”

shower your customers

Yes, that is a waterfall over the entrance of the shop. One does not get wet going inside but the potential is certainly there.

This next shot is a new RV resort in town. Oh yes, we need another RV resort almost like we need a case of black mold. If the resort isn’t enough, check the anchor out front.

Day Glo Anchor

Yup. That’s Day-Glo pink. So in keeping with the environment. (not)  The next photo is also an abundance of pink but done in the style of the island.

Gratitude

Gratitude is a gift shop that uses pink to the ultimate, and it works.

Hope you like the views this week. I’ll leave you with a quiz.

for sale

What do bikinis, flip-flops, and sunglasses all have in common? Give up? They are all disposable at these prices. Have a good week.

 

The Stars in the Sky (Starlight Book Release)

~ John W. Howell ~ 2 Comments

Olivia Stocum has released her latest Highland Book, Starlight. Go visit for a taste of Scotland.

Darcy Branwyn's avatarOlivia Stocum Romance Fiction

Today is the day!

After my whole family spent a week eating cereal for dinner and the laundry piled up, it’s finally the big day! My Highland books are always the hardest for me because I tend to get REALLY emotionally involved. Can’t help it. It’s SCOTLAND. I’ve dreamed about writing these novels since the first grade.

(Testing… 1…2…3…) Anyone manage to read this far? Awesome, now do me a huge favor and reblog this if you are a blogger or share this post on Facebook, twitter, and Pinterest.

Without further ado:

Starlight on Amazon.

Scotland 1608Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000026_00023]Darcy looked at Graham for the first time in months, and realized that her memory had not done him justice. He was gold and bronze, perfect like a statue. His eyes were ice blue. They were eyes that could pierce a man’s resolve, and probably had many times. But not now. Now they…

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Top Ten Things Not to Do at a High School Reunion – Replay

~ John W. Howell ~ 34 Comments

As you may know, I have taken a temporary assignment in organized commerce. I have been entirely consumed in that task so if you will forgive me I’m running a Top Ten Things Not to Do from the past. Next week may not be so hectic, so I will get some new material together (I hope)

This one ran last year on July 16th. I hope you enjoy the replay.

High School Reunion
This list is as a result of seeing some high school reunion photos and messages on some social media sites. I have never attended a high school reunion, so the information captured here has been matters of here say and recounting of others about their reunion.

Top Ten Thing Not to do at a High School Reunion

10 If you attend a high school reunion, do not pose for photos that you don’t know where they will end up. If you do at best, the photos will only be traded among classmates. At worst, they will end up on the “what the not to wear, eat, or drink” website.(Which will go viral and you’ll be getting calls from the Today show to appear on their segment called EXCESS)

9 If you attend a high school reunion, do not pretend to be what you are not. If you do, at best your little fib will be seen as a joke. At worst, your profile on the class newsletter will be featured under the title Most Successful Grad. (Which will be picked up by the news services and published by your newspaper)

8 If you attend a high school reunion, do not bring a date that you do not know simply because they are beautiful. If you do, at best your charade will be found out early with no consequences. At worst, your date will discover the actual reason you brought them and will make an exit and a scene remembered for the next five reunions. (Only you passing away will halt the story telling)

7 If you attend a high school reunion, do not rent an expensive car for your grand entrance. If you do, at best you will look overly anxious to impress and get the opposite reaction. At worst, the valet will take your rental car for a spin and inadvertently leave the side chrome on the street fleeing a hit and run accident. (Which you will easily be able to explain to the judge)

6 If you attend a high school reunion, do not try to hide the fact that you don’t remember everyone’s name. If you do, at best you will look like a fool trying to check name tags without being caught. At worst, you will call someone by a different name, and the name will be associated by that person to an old flame or rival. (You will have lots a bunch of points on that one)

5 If you attend a high school reunion, do not take this time to argue fine points about your grades with your old teachers. If you do, at best the teachers will wish they had flunked you. At worst, one of them may remember you failed to turn in that assignment in the eleventh grade that will require you to repeat the course and nullify your high school diploma. (Try explaining that to your boss)

4 If you attend a high school reunion, do not think your old flame wants to begin where you left off just by smiling at you. If you do, at best you will be embarrassed to learn they are happily married. At worst, you will be a little too forward thinking all is forgiven only to be arrested as you leave the building for assault. ( Gotta remember no means no)

3 If you attend a high school reunion, do not assume the free drinks at the bar carry no consequences. If you do, at best you may exhibit a little tipsiness that everyone will think is cute. At worst, you will have the honor and resulting infamy of passing out on top of the Congratulations Class cake. (The clothes you’re wearing belong to your roommate as well.)

2 If you go to a high school reunion, do not offer to be part of the planning committee for the next one. If you do, at best everyone will forget your offer. At worst, you will be appointed chairperson with all the rights and responsibilities to make the nest one the best ever. (You will also want to get a Xanax prescription)

1 If you go to a high school reunion, do not tell everyone you meet that “we must get together.” If you do at best, they will all wonder if you are having a breakdown. At worst, the ones you least want to see will stay in touch long enough to cop a free overnight on their way through your town. (Plus they have some kind of foot infection that requires you to burn your sheets when they leave)

Views of the Neighborhood

~ John W. Howell ~ 44 Comments

The city of Port Aransas does not allow food trucks to operate within the city limits.  If you want a good meal, snack or drink on the quick and you want high quality there are some excellent places to go.

Tropical Snow

Here is one of the famous places. It is called Tropical Sno and is in the parking lot of a liquor store. As you can see, it is kind of busy. Yes, those are people standing in line. There are two cute signs in the window that you can read in this photo.

Tropic Sno

“Here I am. What are your other two wishes?” and “Making Mouths weird colors.”

Another outlet is the Lemonade stand. Here is one run by some young folks. They make a mean Arnold Palmer. (Of course, they never heard of  Arnold Palmer)

Lemonade stand

For some real down home cooking with a gourmet flair, you can’t beat John Shaw and his Hog Island Taco stand. Here is what he was cooking yesterday.

Menue

Sounds delicious and you can bet it is. John is a fabulous cook and puts out some satisfying, delicious food.

Here is a shot of the outside of John’s restaurant.

Hog Island Tacos

Inside was jam packed with folks waiting for their food. That’s Johh Shaw on the left doing the cooking.

John Shaw

When any of us get the craving for fresh shrimp, we go to the dock and check out when the next load of shrimp is do to arrive.

Shrimp sign

It looks like when you are reading this blog, I should be down standing in line for $5.00 a pound jumbo shrimp.

Here is the boat that brings it all in. The Polly Anna.

Shrimp boat

Well, that’s the View for this week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “If/Then”

~ John W. Howell ~ 25 Comments

Stream Of Consciousness Saturday

If you don’t know, it is Saturday Stream of Consciousness time again. This week’s prompt is “If/Then.” Linda Hill also is allowing bonus points for beginning the post with “If” and ending the post with “Then.” If you would like to participate here is the link to check out. https://lindaghill.com/2016/07/15/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-1616/

If/Then by John W. Howell © 2016

“If I told you that I love you what would you do?”

“If you said that, I’d wonder what you’re up to.”

“Aw come on. You know I like you.”

“Like is one thing. Love is another.”

“Okay, I’ll keep my thoughts to myself.”

“So what thoughts do you have.”

“I think I will keep them to myself.”

“Oh, pouting are we?”

“No. I just don’t want you to get spooked.”

“I don’t spook easily.”

“Let’s just say I want you to know I care for you.”

“That is so sweet.”

“Thank you, I think. Do we have a future?”

“We can hang out until we know each other better. I’ll answer you then.”

Novel “His Revenge” is Action-packed!

~ John W. Howell ~ 15 Comments

Linda Mimms says nice things about His Revenge. You should visit her blog since she has a lot of nice things to say about many things.

Linda Mims's avatarThe Long and Short Stories of Life

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