Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Starts with Gen.”

 

The blessed coffee machine generously gives up its treasure without nary a peep. Sipping the revitalizing fluid generates a lightning flash in the Morpheus stunned brain. It comes with the melodious and, if truth be known, ominous cords of the calliope. The circus must still be in the backyard.

Racing to the back confirms the worst case. The large tent is still in place and filled with what appear to be hundreds of spectators. Phil Harris’ electronic voice echoes throughout the interior space.” Ladies and Gentlemen and children of all ages. I now direct your attention to the center ring where our very own Wile E. Coyote and the Roadrunner will attempt on the high wire a feat that has never been attempted before.”

A hush comes over the crowd, and a lone spotlight picks up Wile E. Coyote precariously balanced on a bicycle high up in the tent’s rarified air on a taught wire. There is no net, so death-defying takes on a new meaning. He is holding a rocket from the ACME Bird Blasting Company. The Roadrunner is at the other end of the wire, and it appears that she intends to run straight at Wile while continuing to maintain balance.

The music reaches a crescendo, and the Roadrunner begins her run. Wile engages the rocket fuse and takes aim at the Roadrunner. As the distance closes, the rocket ignites, and Wile struggles to hold it for a last-minute adjustment. Unfortunately, he does so for a second too long as the afterburner kicks in, and the rocket and Wile punch through the tent ceiling and are last seen acting out the “Rockets Red Glare” lyrics from the Star Spangled Banner.

A “beep beep” causes me to jump two feet and realize the Roadrunner is behind me. Once turning, she hands me an envelope. Then, with another “beep beep,” she is gone. We all know the drill. It’s from Linda Hill. The message reads, Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “starts with gen.” Find a word that starts with “gen” and use it in your post. Have fun!

If you want to have fun, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. While there, you can read some other posts with today’s prompt. Here’s the link. https://lindaghill.com/2023/04/07/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-april-8-2023/

Starts with Gen by John W. Howell © 2023

“Okay, I hope this is the last circus bit.”

“Yeah, me too.”

“I still don’t get it. This is your blog, yet you act like you are a victim of all these visitors.”

“I get that feeling sometimes.”

“What’s with your generation of writers anyway?”

“What do you mean?”

“You all talk about your characters going off and running the show.”

“It does occur once in a while.”

“What are you, a wimp? You have the keyboard, for heaven’s sake.”

“As a general rule, yes.”

“So what happens?”

“A writer allows a character to go in a certain direction, and then before long, it seems like the character is writing the scene.”

“Sound like hocus pocus.”

“That’s a generalization.”

“I’ll stick to things I can see.”

“Like what?”

“VooDoo Ranger.”

“You’re obsessed.”

“I prefer to say ‘genteel.’ Of course, maybe it’s genetic.”

“Let’s cut the ‘gen’ generation and get to the pub.”

“A genuine suggestion.”

“Quit it.”

“Uber is on the way.”

“Genial thought.”

“Now you quit it.”

 

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay Good News

 

Photo of Alan Babin during the community honor ceremony of his home – Photo courtesy of the Austin Statesman

Today’s good news is a local story about an American hero who lives here in Lakeway. Alan Babin was excited to become a Lakeway resident for many reasons, not the least of which is that he is able to leave his home independently in his wheelchair.

The Gary Sinise Foundation gave Babin and his family a smart home in 2018 adapted to his specific needs, a significant gift for the injured U.S. Army corporal who served as a medic in the 82nd Airborne Division. Due to the wounds he received 20 years ago, he has had to work hard to be able to do many everyday tasks.

On March 31st, the city declared it Alan Babin Day in honor of the 20th anniversary of surviving catastrophic wounds during his service in Iraq. Alan was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor and Purple Heart for his actions to save another. The proclamation issued by the city tells more of the story.

There was a unique open house at the airpark to honor Alan, and we will be visiting that open house on Sunday. The good news here is that a community cares about one of its own who sacrificed his own health and safety for another. Today’s JohnKu talks about honor. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Sacrifice by John W. Howell © 2023

Where do we find those,

Who are willing to give all . . .

To save another.

 

Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy and Twiggy on the Hunt

“Okay, so we are on a hunt. What are we hunting for, Little One?”

“I was thinking it was time to get a new beast.”

“A new beast. Tired of being gored by the water buffalo?”

“Get your horns away from me. No, it’s just we need new prey.”

“Well, okay. Have any beast in mind?”

“I thought I heard a Wildebeest out there.”

“You gotta be kidding me. There are no Wildebeests in Texas.”

“There are water buffalo, I suppose.”

“Yeah, good point. Okay, so what was out there?”

“I’m not sure. Go have a look at the other side. I thought I heard something over there.”

“Sorry, kiddo. Only that pesky squirrel.”

“I would like to get my mouth around that pest for sure.”

“Yeah, good luck on that one. I think I would concentrate on the Wildebeest if I were you.”

“Makes sense. So you think a Wildebeest would make a good victim?”

“I guess it would. Who is going to play that part?”

“Let’s see. If I’m the puma, who do you think?”

“Not sure I have ever been a wildebeest before.”

“For heaven’s sake . How hard could it be? You played a buffalo, and a Wildebeest couldn’t be too much harder than that.”

“I’m going to call my agent before I can commit.”

“Life has just gotten too complex.”

The Last Drive ~ John W. Howell

Resa McConaghy is a talented designer with extensive experience designing Hollywood film costumes. She is also an accomplished photographer and writer. Her photographic concentration is on street murals; she has an amazing collection. Today, she honored me with a discussion and review of The Last Drive. To give her readers a sense of the story, Resa has designed six gowns for Sam, the principal character. A visit to Resa’s place will give you a view of the book and an experience you will want to repeat.

Resa's avatarArt Gowns

The sequel to “Eternal Road” once again has Sam and James traveling through time in a 1956 Oldsmobile.

Sam (Samantha) is an Angel Emissary. Her current mission: Find Ryan, a recent soul and his guide, Eddie. They have gone missing. Lucifer is suspect for their disappearance.  To aide her on the mission, she wrests James from his eternal home.

DISCLAIMER:  There are no gowns in this story, per se.

Resa – John, I drew Sam as her angel self. I mean, when she’s not out on missions, she would be in her angel wear. I hope you approve of the drawing. (I don’t see wings)

John – I love Sam’s Angel self. I think it is exactly what she would wear around the cloud so to speak. She doesn’t have wings so that was a good call.
Resa – To me, Sam is the star of the 2 books. I…

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Tuesday – Finger Point Prompt – “Was He Young or Old?”

It works this way. I open a book at random and point to the page. The word or words closest to my finger becomes the prompt. Today I opened The Last Drive randomly to page 49. My finger was closest to the word ‘was.’ Since it was part of a quote, I decided to use the whole sentence.

Was He Young or Old? by John W. Howell © 2023

“How do I know?”

“Let’s not make this more difficult.”

“I don’t know anything.”

“Look, you were the only one there when the store was held up. Surely you can give me that simple description.”

“Sorry, but I didn’t get your name.”

“Detective Simpson.”

“Okay, detective. Have you ever looked down the barrel of a 357 magnum?”

“So that was the kind of gun he was using?”

“The point is, sir, I’m not even sure it was a he let alone old or young.”

“Yeah can be pretty scary. Was the face covered?”

“All I saw was the sight on the front of that gun, and I emptied the register and got on the floor like he said.”

“So it was a male.”

“Now that I think about it, the voice sounded like a male.”

“Young voice or old voice?”

“Youngish, I guess.”

“About your age, do you think?”

“I suppose.”

“Was he a friend of yours?”

“What makes you ask that?”

“The security company just sent me the video feed and you two look pretty friendly.”

“Vido feed? I thought the system was down.”

“Your boss wanted you to think that. He’s suspected you of petty theft for a while. So now it looks like grand larceny. Who is your accomplice?”

“You have the video. You find him.”

“Won’t be hard.”

“Why’s that.”

“Looks like he dropped his driver’s license in all the excitement. According to his address you and he are roommates.”

“I want a lawyer.”

“I think you’re going to need one.”

 

 

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Eye Doctor

Photo by CDC on Unsplash

 

This post originally ran on April 10, 2017. Since we all still (or should) go to the eye doctor, I hope you enjoy it.

* * *

The inspiration for this list was living through the replay of the eye doctor visit with our youngest. Since she is a millennial, we were glad that she went to the eye doctor, so we were passively listening to the blow-by-blow description of the visit.

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Eye Doctor

10 If you are at the eye doctor, do not guess at the letters on the chart. If you do, at best, you’ll have to retake the test. At worst, the doctor will outfit you with coke bottle lenses that render you sightless. (Seemed like a good joke until the $400 bill was put in your hand, huh, Ferd?)

9 If you are at the eye doctor, do not hesitate when asked which lens is better, one or two? If you do, at best, you’ll get a third choice that doesn’t work. At worst, you’ll spend the afternoon reviewing the lens tests until you finally declare a preference. (It makes you wonder why you are so indecisive, huh, Buford?)

8 If you are at the eye doctor, do not turn down the grandfather sunglasses if your eyes have been dilated. If you do, at best, you may hurt yourself squinting. At worst, you’ll never see Tiny, the WWF champ stepping off the curb. (Always wondered what it is like to run into a rhinoceros, did you? Buster? Now he looks pretty mad.)

7 If you are at the eye doctor, do not have garlic bread for lunch. If you do, at best, your exam may be from across the room. At worst, the doctor must call in a hazmat crew to remove you and your smell from the office. (Sure looked good on the menu, huh, Pard?)

6 If you are at the eye doctor, do not complain about the magazines. If you do, at best, the doctor will raise your bill to cover improvements. At worst, the magazines were a personal choice by the doctor and sold by the underprivileged children of the doctor’s church. (You wish for an atomic bomb blast to take you out right now, right, Slick?)

5 If you are at the eye doctor, do not try to tell the doctor what you think you need regarding a prescription. If you do, at best, the doctor will ignore you. At worst, the doctor will refer you to the eye doctor next door who happens to specialize in large animals. (You look pretty foolish in that  stall, Slug.)

4 If you are at the eye doctor, do not have a few drinks before. If you do, at best, the doctor will be able to detect the fact. At worst, the doctor will be calling social services to set you up with a counselor for the seeing impaired. (Why all these people think you need help is beyond you, isn’t it, Putz?)

3 If you are at the eye doctor, do not try on one hundred pairs of frames. If you do, at best, you’ll realize your face is the problem. At worst, the office will close, and you’ll find yourself on the street with two monocles in your hand. (Try to figure out how to use those, Tex. A hint. You have to arch your eyebrow.)

2 If you are at the eye doctor, do not try to stay within your insurance budget. If you do, at best, you get half a pair of glasses. At worst, you might be able to make it work if you give up on the nose and ear pieces. (You are right back to the monocle, aren’t you, Pal)

1 If you are at the eye doctor, do not argue about going to stronger lenses. If you do, at best, you will appear petty and self-absorbed. At worst, you will demonstrate your fear of getting older, which your doctor will take as a cry for help. (I hope you are enjoying your group therapy sessions. Come on, tell us how you really feel. That’s where it’s at, isn’t it, Bunky?)

Views of the Neighborhood – In Search of Easter Decorations

Today we are going to search Lakeway for signs of Easter. We are being catered by Another Broken Egg of Austin. Our entertainment is Bing Crosby.

Menu

SHRIMP ‘N GRITS – Gulf shrimp and andouille sautéed with red peppers and onions in a spicy low country reduction over creamy cheese grits. Served with garlic bread and lemon.

Our first stop is a fancy bunny mail topper.

Next is another bunny but one looking very content.

The purple house has gone all out with Easter Baskets (in the skeleton’s flanges) and eggs.

Now, this is an Easter display that you may remember from last year.

Bunny guards the door.

Here are some pretty sketchy carrots. The spring wreaths look good.

Bunny-eared tortoise. Yes, that is a bunny tail on the tortoise too.

An egg flag is always welcome.

A happy Easter message to all of us.

An easter egg hunt to finish the tour.

So let’s enjoy the food and Bing Crosby.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Antic

Stream of Consciousness Saturday

Reaching for the steaming cup of heaven’s gift for a no-morning person, the thought raced through my mind. What antic will those Warner Brother look-alikes have on tap today? The answer came swiftly after the first sip. A voice so loud the vibrations of my cup threatened a tsunami that would ruin both my morning and the living room carpet. “I say there, boy. I say hey, come out here. Yes, you boy. I say, I’m talking to you” It was clear Foghorn Leghorn was in the tent. Taking what was left of my coffee to the tent’s darkness, the tense music caused me to stop. In the center ring, a spotlight was focused on Foghorn, slowly inserting himself into the muzzle of a giant cannon.

Phil Harris was exhorting the crowd to cheer him on. The Tasmanian Devil, Beaky Buzzard, Yosemite Sam, Sylvester, Henery Hawk, Claude Cat, Arnold the Pit Bull, Hector the Bulldog, Baba Looey, Charles the Dog, and Lola Bunny were all dressed as clowns and holding a substantial net downrange of the cannon.

Phil finally got to the point of saying, “Ready, aim ……….fire.” With that, a loud explosion and shower of sparks followed the form of Longhorn as he rose out of the muzzle and straight up to the tent’s peak. NewtonNewton’sf gravity could not be denied, and Fognorn slowly arched over and began an ever-increasing speed of descent. “I say, boy. I say, y’all on the net. I say, look smart now ’cause here I come.”

Foghorn hit the net with such force that he created a hole that sucked the rest of the clowns into its depths. Foghorn managed to pull himself and the others out of the hole. “I say, boy” I’m happy for the soft Earth and sawdust ring.” He walks over and hands me an envelope before taking a large bow acknowledging the cheering crowd.

Of course, the message was from Linda Hill, and it read. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “antic.” Use it as a word or find a word that contains it. Bonus points if you do both. Enjoy!

If you want to ‘enjoy,’ visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here’s the link. https://lindaghill.com/2023/03/31/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-april-1-2023/

Antic by John W. Howell © 2023

“So where does that leave us?”

“What do you mean?”

“Was that the finale?”

“We haven’t had an antic from Wile E. Coyote.”

“That’s about the only one. So next week, then?

“We never know.”

“Oh, come on. You write this stuff you must know.”

“Panster remember?”

“So you don’t know until you start?”

“You got it.”

“Do you know how you will wrap up our discussion right now?”

“Nope. I wait for you to say something about beer, then go from there.”

“What if I don’t say anything about beer?”

“You just did. How about a pub trip?”

“I should have seen that antic coming.”

“Nice use of the prompt. Get Uber rolling. I’ve worked up a thirst.”

“I’m usually the one in a hurry.”

“Yeah, and I’m the one usually buying.”

Uh oh.”

“Yup. Role reversal.”

“You can do that?”

“My circus, my monkey.”

“Bully.”

“Trust me. Two VooDoo Ranger Imperials and you won’t care.”

“Here’s the driver. Let’s go.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay Good News

Ukrainian refugees attending Orthodox Church in Minneapolis – credit American Service

Today’s good news story comes from the Good News Network. So here it is in its entirety.

Recently Arrived Ukrainians in Minneapolis Head to Mississippi to Help Tornado Victims

By

The mainstream media is filled with headlines about how the United States is helping Ukraine, but under the radar is how some Ukrainians are returning the favor.

Having arrived in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as recently as a few months ago, a group of 7 Ukrainian refugees has signed up for a 2,000-mile road trip to Mississippi to help with tornado relief.

Tornadoes tore a path of destruction across rural Mississippi and Alabama on the night of Friday the 24th. The nonprofit American Service is just one of several aid organizations heading to help the victims.

They quickly organized a team of volunteers and headed down to North Fork, MI, expecting to arrive on Tuesday.

American Service’s Director of Operations, Sofiia Rudenko, is a Ukrainian who has only been in the country since Christmas. Still, after receiving help settling in from American Service, she quickly dedicated her time to helping other new arrivals.

“Here in America, a lot of people helped me to establish here, and we have this kind of culture that we want not only to take but also to give back and to help the others,” Rudenko told MPR News.

“I found a group of people, Ukrainian, that is not working today and willing to go immediately, and now we’re packing and going. It’s so exciting. I hope we can do something great for this world.”

American Service has so far helped 80 Ukrainians like Rudenko find temporary housing, jobs, and a bit of community in Minneapolis.

Their first trip down to Mississippi is to bring water exclusively, and a second trip will follow based on whatever they discover is in short supply after the first trip.

The good news here is those who have been helped are repaying by helping others who need help. Today’s JohnKu talks about repayments. I hope your weekend is lovely.

Payback by John W. Howell © 2023

There are some who take,

With never a thought to payback . . .

Sowing yields reaping.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Lucy Inside.

“Well, dad, it’s been real, but I have to go play. So a quick down dog and I’m outa here.”

“I understand. I’ll be here doing a post.”

“Ahhh. A quick upward-facing dog, and I’ll be ready for anything.”

“I thought you were gone already.”

“Had to get in my last poses. I’m out of here now.”

“I’ll come with you.”

“Whoa. Not very warm out here. Must be in the 60s.”

“Yes, the high today is only in the 70s.”

“That Northern wind is pretty brutal too.”

“Yes, it must be at least six miles per hour.”

Hey Lucy, I don’t think it will work out there.”

“What’s the problem?”

“Feels like it’s going to snow. That’s the problem. I’m just not good when it is below 80 degrees.”

“Well, then, let’s find something to do inside.”

“Okay, Dad. You heard Lucy. What should we do?”

“Have you checked out your toys today? Might be something there.”

“I’m looking but don’t see anything new here.”

“I didn’t say there was anything new. I just said something might be there, which I meant to play with.”

“Aw, come on. It sounded like there was going to be a new toy.”

“Sorry about that. I didn’t mean to mislead you.”

“That’s okay. I think I’ll just go bug Lucy. By the way. Playing isn’t your strong suit. So don’t give up writing.”

“Lucy. Take care of your sister.”

“Like in the Godfather, boss?”