Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 46 Comments

Hump Day

 

It is Wednesday Story Day time again, and last week we left Lucas and the Sheriff as they were finishing up a chat about Lucas’ past. We need to get back to the widow’s house since I see her coming out onto the porch.
“Oh, Lucas.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Do you need some water?”
“No Ma’am I have some.”
“Okay just let me know if your out.”
“I will ma’am.”
“I still prefer Harriet.”
“Yes, Miss Harriet. I will call you if I need more water.”
“Good boy. What did you and the Sheriff talk about?”
“Oh, he just wanted to fill me in on what he knew about my parent’s case.”
“Did he know a lot?”
“He didn’t tell you?”
“Well no not everything.”
“What did he tell you.”
“Um, just about the fact that your parents were murdered. I’m so sorry Lucas.”
“Didn’t he warn you to watch out.”
“He did mention something like that.”
“Aren’t you afraid?”
“Of you. Goodness no.”
“Why’s that Miss Harriet.”
“I think you are someone who needs a friend and are not a murderer.”
“You are the only one in the two state area that thinks so, Miss Harriet.”
“The heck with them, Lucas. I can see you are a good boy. A little scary, but a good boy.”
“Scary how?”
“It is hard to describe. Maybe it is your personality or your lack of emotion. I can’t really tell.”
“Do I scare you?”
“Not really. You cause me concern is all.”
“What kind of concern?”
“That you have been through so much and that you don’t somehow get crazy.”
“The ‘somehow crazy’ is a concern of mine as well. Well, I’d better get back to work.”
“Okay, Lucas. Call me if you need anything at all.”
“I will and Miss Harriet.”
“Yes, Lucas.”
“Thank you for being so kind.”
“Not at all, Lucas. I like you.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Creative Kue #121 by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 31 Comments

Keith explains, “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). 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 – pingbacks don’t often work.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”

The photo.

Kreative Kue #121

The Wizard by John W. Howell © 2017

“Who knocks at the portal of the Great Grand Inquisitor?”

“We have a candidate who is unworthy.”

“Any worst than the last one.”

“Well thins one is certainly not as pretty.”

“Speaking of that check on her and see if she is still breathing.”

“Yes, sir. She’s asleep in her chair.”

“So what brings this candidate to my lair … er … portal?”

“This person wants wisdom sire.”

“Wisdom? Is he out of his mind?”

“Why would that be your highness?”

“With wisdom comes responsibility. look at him.”

“The blindfold you mean.?”

“Not him. The other guy.”

“The other guy is me, sire.”

“Now you have me confused. Who is the candidate?”

“This one in the blue shirt with the blindfold.”

“Why the blindfold?”

“To keep our secrets sacred.”

“What secrets?”

“Gosh, boss I don’t know. I just thought there were things people shouldn’t see.”

“I’m beginning to wonder about you.”

“A-about me? Why about me?”

“Well, for one thing, there’s the blindfold. For another you have all these weird lights running around the room. They are making me dizzy. Also, who is the guy holding up the wall? Finally, where did you get that tie?”

“Okay, I get it. You have some doubts about me. I can assure you all these things can be fixed.”

“Okay. Fix them, and we will talk.”

“What about the candidate?”

“Can he hear us?”

“Yes.”

“Candidate.”

“Y-yes sir.”

“Go in peace.”

“Thank you, sir. Uh, one question.”

“Yes?”

“I’m broke and wonder if you can you help me out?”

“Sure. Which way did you come in?”

 

Top Ten Things Your Mother Told You Not to Do

~ John W. Howell ~ 56 Comments

Mother

 

The inspiration for this list came from observing some weird behavior on the beach and wondering aloud it that person’s mother ever told them not to do what they were doing. The wondering brought up thought on what our mothers told us not to do. I hope you enjoy the list.

10 Your mother told you not to leave the house in dirty underwear. If you ignored her, at best you kept your pants on. At worst, all the people in the emergency room now know you’ve been neglected.  (You better explain that you didn’t listen before you go under, Buford)

9 Your mother told you not to talk to strangers. If you didn’t listen, at best the only stranger you met was a cop. At worst, you fell in with the wrong crowd. (Those police officers outside are pretty serious about you coming out with your hands up, Tex.)

8 Your mother told you to finish your milk. If you didn’t listen, at best you would revisit the same milk tomorrow. At worst, you would be crippled for life because of the lack a calcium in your diet. (At least that was the warning huh, Bosco?)

7 Your mother told you not to run with scissors. If you did anyway, at best the only hole made when you fell was on the new couch. At worst, you made the evening news as the only person is known to have survived ignoring a mother’s advice. (Of course, those scissors made a nice scar didn’t they, Slick?)

6 Your mother told you not to be a cowboy. If you ignored her, at best you now live in Marfa Texas. At worst, you are herding cows, eating beans, and living outside most of the year. (You thought being a cowboy meant a Hollywood contract didn’t you, Slim?)

5 Your mother told you to wash your hands and face. If you didn’t, at best there was no dinner. At worst, her prediction of catching bubonic plague has come true, and no one wants to be near you. (It could have been avoided, Putz. What’s a little soap and water anyway?)

4 Your mother told you there would be days like this. If you didn’t listen, at best you’ll think this is forever. At worst, you will make unreasonable plans to try to correct what is wrong. (So it’s raining, Ferd. Get over it and quit that silly chant.)

3 Your mother told you to tie your shoes. If you ignored her, at best everyone you meet will remind you. At worst, you will step on a shoe lace just as you decide to lean over the rail to get a  great shot of the Grand Canyon. (Funny how those screams continue to echo around, isn’t it, Buster?)

2 Your mother told you to mind your manners. If you didn’t listen, at best you can kiss another invitation goodby. At worst, you might offend Tiny the WWF champ who has just left a ten-hour manners management course mandated as part of his parole. (Notice how far your feet are off the floor when Tiny lifts you by the neck, Weezer?)

1 Your mother told you to be a gentleman. If you decide not to be, at best you might get home early. At worst, you might win the international record as the most slapped human on the planet. (You need to wake up, Boris before your face falls off.)

Views of the Neighborhood

~ John W. Howell ~ 39 Comments

I had originally planned to do a post on the World’s Largest Peace sign which was to be formed on the beach today using human participants. Here is what it looked like last year.Port Aransas for Peace

Unfortuately, we had some high tides this weekend, so the event was canceled.  So, instead of the peace sign, I thought I would let you know what it means when we have high tides.

This first photo was taken last week and shows what the beach typically looks like.

Normal beach

You’ll have to excuse the gull. Whenever I start taking pictures, they want to make sure I catch them as well. Here is what the beach looked like yesterday was taken from the same place.

High Tides

Notice the water is covering the sand. The gulls are still in the shot since they can’t stand being left out. To give you an idea of how this affects the happy tourists here is a shot that is directly to the left of the one above.

High Tides

If you can say “chaos” you have it right. The wooden structure is our cart over leading to the beach.

Just so you can appreciate the misery here is a closer shot of the one above.

High Tides

Now a shot to the right.

High Tides

There are always hearty souls willing to make the best of a bad situation. Here are a group of Skidoo fans enjoying the overcast sky.

High Tides

Also, there are fog worshipers who must love this weather. Hope that have their fog screen on.

High Tide

I think if you want a serene photo that avoids the carnage on the beach you need to back up a bit.

High Tide

Ahhhh. That’s better.

Wait! Maybe the solution is to avoid the beach altogether.

High TideGrab a chair or lounge. Here take this margarita and let’s sit a spell.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Yard”

~ John W. Howell ~ 36 Comments

SOCS

 

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This week’s prompt is “Yard.” Linda Hill says we can use the word any way we want. In fact, we can add letters to make a whole new word. For example, we could add bird, work, man, brick, vine, or any number of letters or words to make something different. I think I stay a purest and work with “yard.” If you would like to join in go to Linda’s place and read all about it. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2017/04/28/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-apr-2917/

Yard by John W. Howell © 2017

“What you doin?”

“Making a sign.”

“I can see that. What is the sign for?”

“To advertise a yard sale.”

“You selling your yard?”

“Very funny. Now we are gong to sell stuff we don’t want.”

“Where does the yard come in?”

“We are going to lay all the stuff in the front yard.”

“Sound like a mess. What if it rains?”

“Then we will move to the garage.”

“Oh and then have a garage sale?”

“What are you trying to say?”

“Why don’t you just have a garage sale and get it over with.”

“Because we would have to clean the garage.”

“Why?”

“We can’t have people seeing a dirty garage?”

“Why?”

“What? Are you a three-year-old? Because we wouldn’t want people to see how we live.”

“Why don’t you change how you live?”

“For heaven’s sake.Do you know how much effort it takes to keep everything neat?”

“I do so I think no one will even notice a messy garage. I do believe that they will see those cheap plants in the yard.”

“What cheap plants?”

“Those little pots from Home Depot. At least take the tags off of them.”

“Em, I don’t think so.”

“Why not?”

“How can we take them back after the yard sale if we take them off.”

“You’re going to return them.”

“Yeah. We don’t want to have to take care of them.”

“And you don’t want people seeing your yard without plants.”

“Bingo.”

“Is there a camera somewhere here? Hello, am I being punked?”

 

Friday JohnKu – AKA- TGIF

~ John W. Howell ~ 44 Comments

TGIF

Look at that. We only have the workday ahead, and then it is the weekend (woo woo). This has been a busy week and seemed to fly by quickly. I was very pleased to finally add some new words to my WIP. Between editing and trying to move additional books, it has been a challenge. I have also been doing some catch-up work around the house and think I’m pretty much on top of it. So I’m back to my 1000 words a day requirement, and it does feel good.

Today’s JohnKu talks about doing the things you must do and the things you like to do.

Tasks by John W. Howell © 2017

Some we like to do,

Others are like pulling teeth. . .

We need a balance.

I hope you have a great weekend.

The Frank Rozinni Detective Agency, on Lisa Burton Radio

~ John W. Howell ~ 4 Comments

Interesting interview by Lisa of a couple of characters from Don Massenzio’s Frank Rozani detective series. Lots of backstory in this interview. Check it out.

coldhandboyack's avatarEntertaining Stories

Don’t touch that dial. You’ve found Lisa Burton Radio, the only show that brings you the characters from the books you love to read. This episode is for you amateur detectives, the mystery solving maniacs among you, and those who crave a big puzzle as part of your reading regimen.

I’m your host, Lisa the robot girl, and with me in the studio today is Frank Rozinni and Clifford Jones the third. “Welcome to the show, fellas.”

“Please call me Jonesy. Clifford is the horrible name my parents gave me. My mom was so embarrassed, she called me Trey for the third.”

“Alright, Jonesy. You two boys team up in a kind of private detective agency. That’s kind of an unusual profession, or is it more of a hobby?”

“Well, for Jonesy, it’s a hobby. For me, it’s turning into a profession although I get paid like it’s a…

View original post 1,079 more words

Thursday – A Little Personal – Random Photos

~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

I was going to post about the fact that I’m putting together a bundle for Kindle that is all three books of the John Cannon Trilogy. I decided that I should wait until it is actually for sale before I start making noise. In about a month I think the box set will be ready. I do have a cover though. Here it is.

John Cannon Boxset
John Cannon Boxset

In the meantime, there are a few photos that have been on my camera and the thought was to write a post around them by getting more. Unfortunately, they are pretty much stand alone pictures, so I hope you like them.

The first is a shrimp boat that is very close to shore. They don’t normally operate this close

Shrimp boat

The next is Lucy watching the waves for any signs of wildlife or a taco.

Lucy

This one is a shot of a neighboring subdivision. I don’t think they want you to go in there.

No trespassing

A picture of Peggy enjoying some time in the surf. She has her caddie with her.

Peggy the Blue Heron

Here is a flight of pelicans in the V formation

Pelicans

The next is a shot of the town alligator. He had just missed capturing a Coot. (no not me)

Alligator

Well, I’ve cleaned out the file of anything worth keeping. Thanks for viewing.

 

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 51 Comments

Hump Day

 

It is Wednesday Story Time again and last week we left Mrs. Murphy hearing an earful from the sheriff (Seth) about the fact that Lucas is a person of interest in the murder of his parents. The sheriff warned Mrs. Murphy to be careful even as Lucas was working outside on her house. Mrs. Murphy seemed to take the information in stride and promised the sheriff that she would be careful. We need to get back there as I see the sheriff is walking off the front porch of Mrs. Murphy’s house.
“Hey Lucas can I have a word with you?”
“Sure thing sheriff. I’ll be right down.”
“Yeah, thanks, Lucas.”
“Okay, Sheriff I’m here what do you want?”
“This is kind of awkward, Lucas but I heard from the police in Wisconsin have you pegged as a person of interest in your parents murder.”
“You did a little checking did you sheriff?”
“Well, that’s my job after all.”
“Yeah of course it is. So what did you find out?”
“Just that you are on their watch list.”
“I could have told you that, Seth. You could’ve just asked.”
“Um that is not according to procedure.”
“So procedure dictates that you sneak around behind someone’s back and get information on them?”
“Hold on son. No need to get ugly. What would I bother you if there is nothing to find out?”
“So what did you find out.”
“Well, there are some questions as to why you didn’t call 911 right away when you found your parents.”
“Not a big mystery. I already told the cops that I want to my room and fell asleep. I didn’t make it a habit to burst into my parents room to say I’m home.”
“So what woke you up and made you look for them?”
“Buffy.”
“Buffy?”
“Yeah, Buffy their dog. He came into my room and started licking my face.”
“Was that usual?”
“No. In fact, he was downright agitated. I woke up and he jumped down and ran down the hall.”
“Then what?”
“I laid back down and he came in again. I knew something was wrong when he did that so I got up and then found them. I used their phone to call 911.”
“You were described as being calm on the phone.”
“I was holding Buffy and needed to keep him calm. If I started yelling he would have jumped away. I didn’t want him to get upset any more than he was.”
“You told all this to the police.”
“Yes, I did. All the evidence backed me up. Little Buffy had some blood on his feet and it was on my bed and on me since he jumped all over.”
“Where is Buffy now?”
“He is best friends with the neighbor’s terrier and now lives with them. He was my parent’s dog and I know he missed them very much.”
“Geez, Lucas. Why do they have you as a person of interest?”
“Cause they have no one else.”
“And your sister. Where is she?”
“Good question. She has been gone for over a year.”
“She left before the murders.”
“Yes. About a month before.”
“She didn’t come back for the funeral?”
“No, she didn’t.”
“I’m sorry, Lucas. I suppose the police told you to stay in touch.”
“Yeah, I have to let them know where I am always.”
“Is there anything I can do?”
“Other than find the killers I don’t think so, Sheriff.”
“Thanks for the chat. I’ll be seeing you. Take care.”
“You too, Sheriff. You too.”