Tuesday – Anything Possible – Creative Kue #119 by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 29 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 #119

Top Ten Things Not to Do In Front of Your Boss

~ John W. Howell ~ 50 Comments

Ten things not to do

 

The inspiration for this list came in a discussion with Teagan Geneviene on the ridiculousness of some policies that have been created by bosses. It came to me then to develop a list of things not to let a boss see you do since it could result in a new policy.

Top Ten Things Not to Do in Front of Your Boss.

10 If your boss is looking, do not laugh. If you do, at best you will raise a question as to why you are not serious about work. At worse, you boss will assume you’ve gotten away with something and will try desperately to find out what it is. (Cozy with your boss camped out in your cube huh, Ferd?)

9 If your boss is looking, do not frown. If you do, at best your boss with think you are unhappy. At worse, you boss with think you have a problem and offer to help you solve it.(” I’m your boss, and I’m here to help you,” are the most feared words right, Buster?)

8 If your boss is looking, do not chat on the phone. If you do, at best your boss will time the call. At worst, it will be assumed you cannot prioritize your work. (How are you enjoying those after work classes on work priorities, Pud?)

7 If your boss is looking, do not leave for lunch. If you do, at best, you boss will feel abandoned. At worse, you boss will question your dedication to the job at hand. (Yeah I know it was just a half hour but will that be of comfort at the unemployment office, Putz?)

6 If your boss is looking, do not allow anyone to visit your cube. If you do, at best it will be assumed you use the office as a social venue. At worst, you’ll be required to fill out a form for every minute of the work day. (Now, did that conversation take two minutes exactly, Bunky?)

5 If your boss is looking, do not yell at a fellow worker no matter how annoying. If you do, at best your boss will put you on the disruptive watch list. At worst, your after hour weekday will be taken up by classes on sensitivity and the rights of others. (Lucky you the other classmate is Tiny the WWF champ who keeps growling at you when the instructor turns away. Don’t worry Buster Tiny hates everyone. Nothing personal)

4 If your boss is looking, do not throw away anything. If you do, at best there will be an after-hours look into your wastebasket. At worst, your boss will report you to the recycle and security departments for a full investigation as to compliance.(What this strip search has to do with recycling is anybody’s guess huh Buford?)

3 If your boss is looking, to not leave your cube without locking your computer. If you do, at best the demerit will put you one over the line. At worst, security will be called to remove your computer for a full disc scan to determine if it has been compromised. (Those online searches for golf clubs look a little embarrassing now don’t they Tex?)

2 If your boss is looking, do not shut your computer down a minute early. If you do, at best you boss will come in and ask a question that will require an embarrassing restart. At worst, you will have an additional set of classes to attend dealing with office hour policy. These classes meet on Saturday, Pard.)

1 If your boss is looking, do not, I repeat, do not, sneak a chew of that gum. If you do, at best you’ll be reminded about the policy about eating at your desk. At worst, the environmental department will be called to set rodent traps, and pest spray your area. (Your request for a gas mask and allergy shots has been denied, Herm.)

Views of the Neighborhood

~ John W. Howell ~ 49 Comments

Texas Sandfest

Next week is SandFest which is a big event here in Port Aransas. The event’s mission is to raise money for local charities. Founded in 1997, Texas SandFest is a three-day event that attracts sand sculptors from around the globe. The event is the largest sand sculpting fest and competition in the nation and brings over 100,000 guests to the beaches of Port Aransas. The free event is organized into competitions for all experience levels to include both amateur and professional sculptors. Guests can participate or simply wander through the incredibly unique artistic displays.

I will be giving you a look at the festival next week but thought I would provide a behind the scene preview

This first photo shows the kind of heavy equipment needed to prepare the beach for the sculptures. They are forming piles which will be turned into works of art.

Texas SandFest

Here is a long view of what will become the central sculpture. It will depict the theme as well as honor the sponsors. The three poles act as supports.

Here is one of the artists hard at work. The person in blue is spraying water on the sand to keep it moist.

A close up of one of the flags that will be on the sculpture. This is the famous battle flag from the battle of  Battle of Gonzales during the Texas Revolution.

A little more detail showing the oil heritage of Texas

I left this shot in so that you can see the proximity of the sculpture to the Gulf Mexico.

It takes a lot of water to keep the sand from blowing away. Here is one of the hook-ups to service some artists.

Speaking of artists here is the person known as The Glue Man. His job is to spray a glue-like mixture on the sculpture. This binds the sand and acts a finish coat to keep the work in place.

Sine the festival attracts 100,000 people there needs to be quite a few food trucks to provide food and refreshments. The photo below will give you an idea of what they look like.

Here is a holding area for the food trucks. Notice the RVs which serve to housed the vendors for the week.

I hope you enjoyed the preview and I’m looking forward to showing you the finished result next week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Moo.”

~ John W. Howell ~ 30 Comments

SOCS

 

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this week’s prompt is “Moo.”  Yes, you saw that correctly. Linda Hill says that we can use the word “moo” or a word rhyming with “moo.” The interesting part is she also says there are BONUS points for using the word “moo” in the post. Guess which way I’m going? Bonus points baby. If you would like to join in go to Linda’s blog and check it out. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2017/04/14/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-apr-1517/

Moo by John W. Howell © 2017

“What are you going to order?”

“Moo goo gai pan.”

“What’s that?”

“It’s an Americanized version of a Cantonese dish. Sorta like stir fry.”

“I don’t see it on the menu.”

“It’s not there that’s why. I’ve been here before, and they make it special.”

“How do you spell it.?”

“M-o-o-g-o-o-g-u-y–p-a-n”

“Hold on. I just googled it, and it’s spelled with g-a-i instead of g-u-y.”

“So why did you ask me in the first place.”

“I just thought you would know.”

“Well excuse me for mistakes. At least I have heard of the dish before.”

“Yes, but you should know how to spell what you eat.”

“Okay. What are you going to order?”

“Almond chicken.”

“Of course you are.”

“What’s that supposed to mean.”

“I’m sure you can spell almond and chicken so you would order the most common thing on the menu.”

“I like almond chicken.”

“Of course you do.”

“Again. What do you mean.”

“You like white bread with no crust. What do you think I mean?”

“I’m plain.”

“Oh, gee you think?”

“Now you’ve hurt my feelings.”

“You’ll be fine, Jane.”

“Thank you Bratzilla.”

 

Friday John Ku – AKA TGIF

~ John W. Howell ~ 43 Comments

Friday once again. Always glad to see it roll around. No particular reason other than it gives me an opportunity to reflect on the week and see if I’ve done anything worthwhile. Hold on let me think a moment. *crickets*

I’m back. This week was pretty productive. I finished up all the edits within my power on Circumstances of Childhood and sent it off to the editor. That was a biggie this week. I also placed My GRL on an Amazon Marketing Services promotion. I will be interested to see how that goes. This is the first time I have done it seriously. The idea is for Amazon to match your book with searches done by their customers. I managed to come up with over 200 keywords so this effort should be more telling on the program. I’ll keep you posted. Today’s John Ku talks about trying new things. Hope you have a great weekend.

New by John W, Howell © 2017

Stay comfortable,

Or try something you’ve never done . . .

You may benefit.

Welcome to “MOMENTS” by @Harmony_Kent #RRBC

~ John W. Howell ~ 33 Comments

Moments

 

I am very happy to be part of a one day Book Blast designed to let the world know Harmony Kent’s book “MOMENTS” is available

Moments

Book Blurb:

Come.

Take a moment to delve into tales from the dark side, have fun with fantasy, dabble in dystopia, and court danger in a little science fiction.

These tales touch upon death, grieving, war, fresh starts, hope, courage, change, choices, and encouragement.

And then, after all that, you’ll find the poems.

From the lonely echoes of an empty house to the soaring heights of unexpected love and joy and learning to live as free as clouds and water.

For each of us, a moment encompasses a lifetime and, yet, passes in but the blink of an eye. In but a moment, everything can change. And in this very moment, life beckons in all its potentiality.

When the shadows fall, what will you do?

* * *

Harmony Kent

Author Bio and Links:

Indie Author Harmony Kent is an award-winning multi-genre author. Her publications include:

The Battle for Brisingamen (Fantasy Fiction) AIA approved
The Glade (Mystery/Thriller) AIA Approved/BRAG Medallion Honouree / New Apple Literary Awards Official Selection Honours 2015
Elemental Earth (YA Fantasy Fiction)
Polish Your Prose: Essential Editing Tips for Authors (Writing/Editing) New Apple Literary Awards Top Medallist Honours 2015
Finding Katie (Women’s Fiction)
Slices of Soul (Contemporary Poetry)
Interludes (Erotic Romance short stories)
Moments (Short Stories and Poetry)

As well as being an avid reader and writer, Harmony also offers editing, proofreading, manuscript appraisal, and beta reading services.  As well as reviewing and supporting her fellow indie authors, Harmony works hard to promote and protect high standards within the indie publishing arena.   She is always on the look out for talent and excellence, and will freely promote any authors or books who she feels have these attributes.

For all books available from me, check out my author pages at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Book Trailer videos: Harmony’s trailers.
My website: http://harmonykent.co.uk
Twitter: @harmony_kent https://twitter.com/harmony_kent
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyKentOnline
My 4Wills Author Page: https://4willspublishing.wordpress.com/our-authors/author-harmony-kent/
RWISA Author Page: https://ravewriters.wordpress.com/meet-the-authors/author-harmony-kent/

* * *
The tour sponsored by 4WillsPublishing.wordpress.com.

Rave Reviews Book Club Springtime Book & Blog Block Party #RRBC

~ John W. Howell ~ 142 Comments

RRBC Springtime Book and Block party

Hello and welcome to the Rave Reviews Springtime Book & Blog Bock Party coming to you from Port Aransas, Texas.

Here’s What I’m Giving Away Today:

A Ten Dollar Amazon Gift Card to one winner. All you have to do is comment to be entered to win. The results will be published in a few days. There will be one winner on this stop.

You may want to visit other posts during this Rave Reviews Book Club Spring Book & Block Party as there are plenty of gifts, books, and surprises. Here is the link for the lineup.

https://ravereviewsbynonniejules.wordpress.com/rrbc-2017-springtime-book-blog-block-party/

In case you don’t know I have three books published which constitute the John J. Cannon Trilogy.

The first of the series:

Click for Amazon

John J. Cannon successful San Francisco lawyer takes a well-deserved leave of absence from the firm and buys a boat he names My GRL. He is unaware that his newly purchased boat had already been targeted by a terrorist group. John’s first inkling of a problem is when he wakes up in the hospital where he learns he was found unconscious next to the dead body of the attractive young woman who sold him the boat in the first place. John now stands between the terrorists and the success of their mission. My GRL is priced at $.99 for the Kindle version.

Click for Amazon
Click for Amazon

 

The characters from My GRL continue to His Revenge (Book II)  and on to Our Justice.(Book III) In His Revenge, John seeks to atone the killing of Gerry Starnes, the woman who sold him My GRL. The action moves from Port Aransas to California and on to Ecuador. His enemy Matt Jacobs has a twisted idea that John would make an excellent spokesperson for the terrorist group. He figures out a way to get John to cooperate on a plan that is designed to embarrass the President and wreak havoc on the oil industry. John must pretend to go along hoping he can create a way to get revenge. The question remains who will get the revenge?

Our Justice is the final story in the trilogy. John has been keen on bringing Matt Jacobs to justice. Matt has been keen on getting John to help him in a plot to assassinate the President. He plans to use John’s hero status to get close to the President to do his duty work. Both Matt and John feel their cause is right and both want justice extracted in their favor. We must see who in fact achieves Justice, Matt, John or neither?

Thank you so much for the visit, and I hope you enjoy the rest of the Rave Reviews Springtime Book & Blog Block Party.

 

 

Review of His Revenge by John W. Howell

~ John W. Howell ~ 23 Comments

A wonderful review of His Revenge by Don Massenzio author of the Frank Rozzani Detective series of novels. Check out his books. Thank you so much, Frank.

Unknown's avatarDon Massenzio

his revengeGoodreads Description:

America loves John Cannon, its newest hero, and the President wants to present him with the highest civilian medal for bravery for saving the Annapolis midshipman from a terrorist plot to destroy them. While in Washington for the award ceremony, John unwillingly becomes an accomplice in another plan by the same group to attack the credibility of the US President and the stability of the worldwide oil market. There is no way out as John either becomes a traitor to America or causes thousands of innocent people to die if he refuses.

The second John J Cannon Thriller moves from a barrier Island off the coast of Texas to Washington DC, then to Northern California, and finally to Ecuador. John is on the receiving end of an offer he cannot, refuse. His avowed enemy Matt Jacobs now wants John to help him shake the reputation of the US…

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Wednesday Story Day – AKA Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 38 Comments

Hump Day

 

It is Wednesday Story Time again. Last week we saw Lucas on his knees begging for another chance since it was clear the Widow Murphy was going to fire him for calling her old. I think most of us were a little surprised by his quick personality change. As my grandmother used to say, “A leopard does not change his spots unless there is wetness.” Let’s go and check up on Lucas and see how he is doing.
“Hey, Lucas.”
“Oh Hi sheriff.”
“Don’t let me bother you. Is the Widow ta home?”
“Yes, sir. She is right inside.”
“My goodness son you are pretty high on that ladder.”
“Aw, I’m used to it, sir. Heights don’t bother me.”
“Well, you mind that sun ya hear. With no shirt, you could get quite a burn.”
“Yes, sir. I have sunscreen on. I think I’m good.”
“You know best my boy. I’ll see you later.”
“Thanks, Sheriff. I’ll be here.”
“Ha ha ha. That’s pretty funny.”
“Mrs. Murphy you in the house?”
“Why yes, Seth come on in.”
“Thank you, ma’am. Sure is a hot one today.”
“it is sheriff.”
“That boy Lucas should have a shirt on. He’s going to get sunstroke.”
“I know, sheriff. I told him the same thing. What brings you by?”
“Nothin’ much ma’am. Just wanted to check on you. Seems you were gone for a while.”
“Oh pshaw, sheriff. Went to the store and beauty parlor is all.”
“I know ma’am, but I just got concerned since you’re usually at home what with that new boy working on your house and all.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well he’s from out-of-town, and you never know.”
‘“You run his ID?”
“Yup. Came back clean.”
“So there you are. There is nothing to worry about.”
“Well, except his parents were killed under some strange circumstances.”
“Strange circumstances?”
“Yes. Murdered in their sleep.”
“Oh, my.”