Views of the Neighborhood

March 26, 2017March 26, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 62 Comments

This week I thought it would be fun to take photos of those things around town that tourists take tend to take photos of too. I know, sounds a little nuts but bear with me. I also have to explain that there were no tourists in town yesterday so I couldn’t hoodwink a few into having a picture taken with their head inside these items. I would have put me in the photos, but since my producer is out of town for a week, there was no one to snap the photo. Sad right?

The first photo is a group cutout in front of Winton’s candy store. It has nothing to do with the beach or candy but does provide a pretty accurate depiction of a Port A Saturday night.

Photos to take in Port A

This next one is in front of Wintons as well. Clearly, this is a Rattlesnake dressed as a cowperson shooting of guns while happy candy cane cactus stands by. Woo yeah.

Where to take photos in Port A

The next one is in front Stingrays Taphouse and Grill and is obviously a stingray dressed in a 40’s zoot suit playing a guitar. I would want this one on my holiday card

The next is an extra. We have a sand festival called SandFest, and this gold cart will be raffled off.

Now we are at The Gaff, and since there are pirates everywhere, it is no surprise that the cutouts are of pirates. Of course given some of the others and the fact that The Gaff is the Sandbelt racing capital of Texas one never knows.

For bad pirates, there is the stockade

Y’all have been here before but here is another shot of the Gaff sign. I didn’t stay for the races. There is only so much excitement an old guy can take in one day.

Here is an interesting tent. You can see this is a place that you can have photos converted to shirts, shoes and it appears by the photo blankets as well.

Here is another shot of the outside. I think I would love to have a poster that big. Maybe one of my books and it could fly from the porch.

Here is a shot inside the mysterious tent. The first thing you should notice there are no photographs allowed. (Oh sir, I didn’t see the sign or signs.) Notice also the parrots. They are live and were yelling “no photos,” as I was setting up the shot. The third thing to notice is the tourist (yes, there is one) dressed in the blue shirt with a depiction of cocktails on the back. In case you miss the subtlety the word “cocktails” is stitched above them

Here is the granddaddy of all photo ops. Imagine yourself inside the shark’s mouth. Don’t forget to look horrified so that folks back home will be fooled into thinking you are in the mouth of a shark.

I love this little sidewalk painting. This shows you where to put your feet to get the best shot of……

These two old fisherman. I did stand where I was told by the street painting and by gumbo I got the best shot.

Thanks, for joining me on this little walk around the neighborhood.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt March.

March 25, 2017March 24, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 28 Comments

SOCS

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday again and this week’s prompt is “march.” Linda Hill says we can use the word any way we want. To quote Janis Joplin, “Freedom is just another word for nothin’ left to lose.” If you would like to get involved, go to Linda’s place and read how. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2017/03/24/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-mar-2517/

“Forward march.”

“You’re kidding right. You gonna go there?”

“Why what’s wrong.”

“You’re doing a prompt right?”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

“The word is forward or march. Which one?”

“March.”

“Come on man. You can do better than, ‘forward march.'”

“Well I’m in a little bit of a hurry, and that was the best I could do.”

“You know haste makes waste. Take a moment and think about the word. You can tie it into something splendid if you try.”

“What do you care anyway?”

“This is my space, and usually there is something worth reading on these Saturday prompts.”

“Maybe it’s time you had a stinker.”

“Not on my watch. Now think.”

“Okay. Hmm, March Hare.”

“Now you are starting. Keep going.”

“March madness.”

“Yesssss.”

“Sousa March, March of the Sugarplum Fairies.”

“Good, good.”

“The month of March.”

“Hot damn.”

“March from Aida.”

“Sweet.”

“March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.”

“Right—uh wait a minute. Aren’t you supposed to make a story using the word March?”

“Well, yes. I just don’t know which to tell.”

“Why don’t you just start somewhere and let it flow.”

“Good idea. Ahem, let’s see how this sounds. Forward March.”

“Sounds great. Print it.”

Indie Author Friday -John W. Howell #IndieAuthors #thriller #suspense

March 24, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 8 Comments

As you know, Teri Polen is a fantastic author and reviewer. I am honored to be featured on her Blog today. You will enjoy a visit.

Books and Such

It’s Friday!!! And I’m so happy to have my friend, John W. Howell, here for Indie Author Friday. His blog keeps me entertained daily with writerly things, views of his neighborhood, and weekly stories, and his thriller/suspense series with unlikely hero John J. Cannon is not only compelling, it can kick up the heart rate a few notches. I have to mention his penguin wearing the sombrero question has one of the best answers I’ve seen yet.

The John Cannon Trilogy begins in Port Aransas where San Francisco lawyer John J. Cannon decided to go after taking a live of absence form his firm. He bought a boat he named My GRL with the idea of giving the charter boat business a try. He was unaware that a group of terrorists already targeted his boat to be used on a mission to destroy a symbol of America. He woke up…

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Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

March 24, 2017March 23, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 39 Comments

TGIF

Another Friday and only about one workday to the weekend. It looks like we are going to make it. (maybe I shouldn’t say that too loud). This has been a busy week. More editing work on the next book and a beta read has pretty much occupied my week. Hard to put my finger on anything definitive that I could rack up as an accomplishment. I guess continuing to make progress is an accomplishment. I guess we should all feel that as long as we are moving forward, we are making a dent in our to do list. Today’s JohnKu talks about accomplishment.

Goals set. We are told,

Each day we should finish one . . .

Well, how about a smile?

Thursday – A Little Personal – #RRBC Spotlight Honors Interview with Lynn Miclea

March 23, 2017March 22, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 23 Comments

Today I am interviewing Lynn Miclea author of the book “Ruthie: A Family’s Struggle with ALS.” This book is a memoir written by Lynn in the hopes of helping other caregivers cope with the awesome responsibility and stress of caring for loved ones. The show is live beginning at 11:00 Central Time and here is a direct link. If you miss the live show, an archived version will be available at this link after the show is over.

Here is the blurb for Lynn’s book.

A powerful and compassionate memoir about an intelligent and beautiful woman’s experience with ALS. Dramatic and heart-wrenching, the story takes the reader through various symptoms, multiple diagnoses, and progression of the disease, as the author’s mother loses her strength, independence, and ability to speak and eat. The story includes volatile family interactions as one person who is in denial attempts to block the woman from getting the help she desperately needs. This is a personal view of this difficult illness, and the story brings you right into their lives and hearts. This book is ultimately inspirational, as it offers many insights and practical suggestions for helping someone with a terminal disease. This would greatly benefit anyone dealing with any type of progressive illness.

About Lynn

Lynn

Lynn has become a successful author with ten books published. Two of her books are powerful memoirs, and eight are uplifting children’s fiction adventure books about kindness and helping others.

Lynn’s contact information:

Twitter Handle: @hunnipuff
Facebook address: https://www.facebook.com/lynnmiclea.author/ and
https://www.facebook.com/Ruthie-A-Familys-Struggle-with-ALS-1599236806972900/
Website address: https://www.lynnmiclea.com
Amazon author page – https://www.amazon.com/Lynn-Miclea/e/B00SIA8AW4
e-mail – lynnmiclea@aol.com

Book Review – My GRL by John Howell

March 22, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 24 Comments

Don Massenzio usually reviews books that have an extremely wide audience. I am therefore very honored that he would post such a lovely review of My GRL. Don is also a master of the mystery story and has a number of books in print. Check out his blog and his books as well.

Don Massenzio

Goodread Synopsis:

John J. Cannon, a successful San Francisco lawyer, takes a leave of absence from the firm and buys a boat he names My GRL. John is unaware his boat has been targeted by a terrorist group to be used to destroy a symbol of America’s greatness. John’s first inkling of trouble is when he wakes up in the hospital and learns he was found unconscious next to the body of the young woman who sold him the boat in the first place. John now is the only one standing between the terrorists and the success of their mission.

My Review:

Just from the synopsis, I was hooked on the story line. The book did not disappoint. It starts out with a senseless murder and then pulls in elements of a classic thriller. We have bad guys pretending to be good guys, a relentless law man and a reluctant…

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Wednesday Story Day – AKA Hump Day

March 22, 2017March 21, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 46 Comments

Hump Day

Well, it is Wednesday Story Day time again. Last week we had to witness the return of the Widow Murphy and find out she pretty much has some strong opinions about Alice. I think we got the opinion that the widow had designs of Lucas herself and was pretty much bad mouthing the competition. The widow offered Lucas some lunch and it looked like he was going to take her up on the offer. Oh and let’s not forget she asked Lucas to come in without his shirt. Oh, my. We need to go back to Antion Illinois to see what is up with all of that.
“Well, son I have Chicken salad for lunch. Go wash up and it will be ready when you get back.”
Yes, ma’am. Where is the bathroom?”
“Right down that hall to the right.”
“Thank you, ma’am.”
“You can call me Harriet.”
“Yes, Miss Harriet.”
“That boy sure is well-mannered.”
“I’m back.”
“Goodness, you gave me a start. I was thinking what a well-mannered boy you are.”
“Thank you, ma— er Miss Harriet. My mom taught me respect.”
“I can see that. I can also see you have your shirt on.”
“Yes, Miss Harriet. My mom would never allow me to come to the table unless I was wearing a shirt.”
“Oh, she is some woman. Have a seat. Would you like some sweet ice tea?“
“Sounds good. This salad looks delicious.”
“I know young men would rather have beef, but I think you’ll find it tasty. There is plenty so if you want more just ask.”
“Thank you, Miss Harriet. It is very tasty. I may take you up on that offer.”
“Tell me, Lucas. You mentioned your mom. Is she from around here?”
“No. She lived in Wisconsin.”
“You say lived. She’s not there anymore?”
“N-no. She uh…”
“Oh dear. I think this old woman should mind her business. You don’t have to answer.”
“That’s okay. I just miss her, and it is hard to say that she has passed.”
“I’m so sorry for your loss. Has it been long?”
“She and dad were killed last year.’
“Killed? Oh, my. I am sorry.”
“They were murdered in their sleep.”
“How awful, my dear boy. Do they know who did it?”
“The police are really stupid. They think they know but haven’t done anything about it.”
“Oh my gosh. And now you live here in Antion. All by yourself?”
“Yes. I want to finish school, and it’s the only way. I couldn’t stay in Wisconsin. I work here in the summer and then go to the University in Champaign-Urbana. I’ve got an apartment there.”
“How do you manage?”
“My parents left me enough Miss Harriet.”
“I’ll stop asking questions now. I can see you are upset.”
“No. You are very kind. I’m not upset. I would like some more chicken salad if you don’t mind.”
Of c-course, Lucas. I’ll get it.”
“More tea too, please.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #115 by Keith Channing

March 21, 2017March 20, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 47 Comments

Here are Keith’s words to explain what is going on. “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.”

Here is the photo

Kreative Kue #115

“Hey, humans. Get that phone will ya? Where did everyone go?”

“We are in the kitchen, Ralphy. Just let it ring.”

“OMG. Did you have to have a klaxon horn for a ringtone?”

“George maybe you had better answer it.”

“Not me. You know who it is.”

“You don’t know that for sure. Go look see if the caller ID confirms it.”

“I’m telling you, I don’t even want to go near it. She’ll know.”

“Don’t be a fool. She will not know.”

“You humans in the house. Anybody going to answer this thing or do I keep on barking?”

“Hush Ralphy. I’m coming to look.”

“Look? Why not just toss it out?”

“Harriet. It is her. I’m not going to answer it.”

“George you coward. Hit the silent button.”

“She’ll know I hit silent.”

“She won’t care. Our lunch is going to the flies. Shut the phone off. I don’t know why we run when that thing goes off anyway.”

“Okay, there I did it.”

“Good man. See you are brave after all. Okay, Ralphy jump back up on your chair and let’s continue with our lunch.”

“By the way. How did you teach that dog to use a knife and fork?”

“It was easy. I think he already knew. Was that her on the phone?”

“Yup.”

“See she never knew.”

“Wait until next time.”

“Why does she keep calling?”

“I dunno. I guess she doesn’t have a lot of friends.”

“What does she want anyway?”

“To give us a sea cruise.”

“What’s wrong with that anyway?”

“We get seasick, and I would hate to disappoint her by saying no.”

“You are a good man, George. Ralphy don’t gulp your food. Take a drink of water.”

“He handles that bottle well too.”

Ten Things Not to Do at The Final Four Playoffs

March 20, 2017March 19, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 49 Comments

March Madness

The inspiration for this list—Wait! have you been put to sleep for the last couple of weeks? You know the inspiration so here goes.

Ten Things Not to Do in the Final Four Playoffs

10 Do not fall sleep overnight outside in Phoenix without a tent. If you do at best, you may get a scorpion bite. At worst, you may be hauled off by a pack of coyotes who have you confused with a large sheep. (No, these guys aren’t inviting you home for dinner Roscoe. You are dinner.)

9 Do not think the public intoxication laws are not in force during the tournament. If you do, at best you’ll avoid all the testing blockades. At worst, you will be asked to walk a straight line that is all but impossible if you were sober. (Well a nice ride in the patrol car is an interesting way to spend the evening huh, Buford?)

8 Do not believe the locals who tell you the sun in Phoenix is not fierce in March. If you do, At best you’ll have an uncomfortable night’s sleep. At worst, you will be the first sunburn victim admitted to the burn trauma unit at the hospital. ( At least your picture is in the paper, Ferd. Of course, the headline reads “Idiot Let’s Self Get Burned.”)

7 Do not pay attention to the KissCam in the arena. If you do, at best your date will think you are proposing. At worst, Tiny the WWF champ sitting next to you will think you are proposing and wants you to know he says yes.( Don’t try to get out of this one claiming a mistake, Tex. Tiny doesn’t take well to hurt feelings.)

6 Do not take that 32oz drink into the stands unless you have an easy way out. If you do, at best you will have to hold everything for the entire game. At worst, you will struggle through the row only to block the view of the biggest guy in the stadium just as the winning basket is made.(Guess what Roy? His team lost. I think he may blame you.)

5 Do not paint your face with your team’s colors. If you do, at best your parents won’t be watching the game to see how they are wasting that tuition. At worst, the paint was the wrong kind, and now you are sitting in a job interview explaining your blue and gold complexion. (You didn’t want that job. After all, it was your dream would have paid one hundred grand a year huh, Bunky?)

4 Do not watch the tournament while at work. If you do, at best you will not get caught. At worst, you might get your job and the tournament confused like telling those twelve fights to hold during the penalty free throw. (You always take your job as an air traffic controller seriously don’t you, Bosco?)

3 Do not yell for the entire game. If you do, at best you’ll be reduced to a whisper. At worse, you’ll get a phone call from your agent who is wanting you to accept that movie deal on your book. (Unfortunately, he can’t hear you, and the offer expires in five minutes, Putz)

2 Do not think food in the arena is calorie free. If you do, at best you’ll be facing a slight weight gain. At worst, you will need to revisit that reduction program since all the tension of the game was channeled through your mouth. (Looks like six months of salad and water got wiped out in a single afternoon, huh Bub?)

1 Do not take your frustration in losing the tournament out on other drivers on the way home. If you do, at best you’ll get home safely. At worst, you’ll meet your road rage match, and he’s driving a military grade four by four. ( You can use that flat car as a sled next winter can’t you, Buba?)

Views of the Neighborhood

March 19, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

As the weather improved the spring breakers, all finally showed up. Rather than show photos of humanity at its worst, I thought I would concentrate on the more attractive side of crowds. I decided to show you some of the kites that have been flying over the beach.

The first photo is of the store where the kites are born. Kites in Port A