A Message from Me to You

~ John W. Howell ~ 74 Comments

 

Photo by Lucas van Oort on Unsplash

I have been blogging for thirteen years and have loved every minute. I originally started because I needed a platform to showcase my novels. Well, I have published eight of them and must confess that I have seldom used this blog to showcase them. Yes, when a blog tour came up, I focused on presenting those gracious enough to host me, but I have resisted the continuous “buy my book” message.

I can honestly say that my blog has been primarily for reader entertainment, not book promotions. So, with that in mind, I’m not going to change my basic blogging philosophy, which is Laughs Are Us. Instead, I have partnered with BookBub and established an Author website. There, I can brag all I want about my fine writing and talk about needing a new pair of shoes without worrying about offending my regular readers.

The site also allows me to trade free stuff for emails, leading to more free stuff and hopefully terrific information.

If you feel inclined here is the link to my author place.  https://johnhowellauthor.com/ If you also feel inclined to sign up for my gossip sheet, there is a free Writer’s Digest award-winning short story in it for you. So, come see what it looks like, and sadly, there are no free drinks, but that could change someday.

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point prompt – Departure

~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

Today, I opened the second book in the Eternal Road series: The Last Drive randomly to page 119 and pointed with my eyes closed. The word closest to my finger is “departure.” This is our prompt today.

Departure by John W. Howell © 2025

“Do you have everything?”

“I think so.”

“Do we need to do a checklist?”

“Naw. I think I remembered everything.”

“This is a big step in life for you. How do you feel?”

“I’m a little nervous but am looking forward to learning more.”

“It seems like yesterday that you were so small.”

“Yeah, but now I’m fully grown.”

“Well, at least your body has grown. Your brain needs a little more time.”

“This is why you are sending me off, right?”

“Yes, dear. You cannot stay and continue to grow into a responsible adult. You need learning and experience that your dad and I can’t give you.”

“Well, I’m going to miss you both. Where is Dad anyway?”

“I don’t think he could stand to say goodbye, so he went fishing.”

“Yeah, I get that. Well, tell him goodbye, and I’ll see him later.”

“I will do that, my precious. Now spread those wings and get going. Don’t forget you are an eagle,. A bald eagle, so be proud of your heritage.”

“I won’t forget Mama. Goodbye. I love you.”

“I love you, son. Make us proud.”

“Mom, don’t cry.”

“Bitter sweet, my boy. Go now.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do When You Have Allergies

~ John W. Howell ~ 66 Comments
Photo by Allef Vinicius on Unsplash

 

This post was published on May 12, 2014, and co-authored by Marie Ann Bailey and me. Since allergies don’t seem to go away, I hope you find it useful.

 

Top Ten Things Not to Do When You Have Allergies

10 When you have allergies, do not offer to house sit for friends with animals. If you do, the best that will happen is that your sneezing will cause the animals to hide from you. At worst, you may find yourself in the ER on a respirator, trying to remember if you left the front door open.

9 When you have allergies, do not accept an offer to go for a nice ride in the country. If you do, at best, your nice ride will turn into a sneezing nightmare. At worst, your companion will leave you beside the road with your address written on a note pinned to your shirt.

8 When you have allergies, do not eat anything out unless you know the ingredients. If you do, at best, you may have to go home early to get some medicine. At worst, you might cause those around you concern as you begin to swell and turn purple as a reaction.

7 When you have allergies, do not volunteer to drive the hay wagon at the school fundraiser. If you do, at best, you will be the source of too many “bless you’s.” At worst, your sneezing will cause the horses to spook, allowing for a runaway wagon and terrified children and adults.

6 When you have allergies, do not leave home without a spare handkerchief or tissues. If you do, at best, you will need to use anything at hand to cover a sneezing fit. At worst, there will be nothing at hand, and you will cause everyone near you to run away in fear since they will assume you have the bubonic plague.

5 When you have allergies, do not think those who do not have allergies will understand your symptoms. If you do, at best, you may get some concerned looks when the sneezing hits. At worst, you might be trying to explain to the EMS team called by a well-meaning person that you are having an allergy attack.

4 When you have allergies, do not leave your medicine at home even for a short time. If you do, at best, you will get by without any symptoms. At worst, you will find yourself curled in the fetal position, praying to be spared another sneezing attack.

3. When you have allergies, do not think you can go on a picnic in the woods. If you do, at best, you will survive with only sneezing bouts. At worst, you will be stung by some strange insect and find you are slowly losing the ability to raise your arms to get your EPI-Pen.

2. When you have allergies, do not offer to deliver flowers on special holidays, no matter how heavily medicated you are. If you do, at best, you could have a reaction to an unknown flower. At worst, you could deliver only the stems after your sneezing caused all the blooms to fly off the bouquet.

1. When you have allergies and are heavily medicated, do not operate heavy machinery. If you do, at best, you may injure yourself. At worst, you may just take down one wall too many and have a boss who expects you to pay for the damage.

Views of the Neighborhood – Art Display at Lakeway City Hall – Char Michelson

~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

We are heading to Lakeway City Hall again to view a colorful display of Char Michelson’s artwork. We are catered by Hestia of Austin. Our entertainment is Chicago.

Picture of an old time school bus

So let’s go

 

Here’s information on the artist.

A shot of the gallery.

None of the paintings is titled, so we will enjoy the work and maybe make up our own titles.

Lovely monuments in sandstone.

Flowers, pitcher, table, and wallpaper.

A rural scene.

Rolling countryside.

A hill that just begs for climbing.

A lovely vase filled with joy.

It is now time to relax and enjoy the music and food. I hope you have an easy week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Jumble.”

~ John W. Howell ~ 80 Comments

A picture of a string with drops of water- the logo for SoCS

The words on the coffee maker’s touchscreen are a jumble of disassociated letters. It appears as if the machine is having some kind of breakdown. My only thought is to reboot it and see if there is any improvement. The plug is pulled, and an almost imperceptible sigh is released deep inside the black box. Inserting the plug in the outlet brings the machine back to life. The words “Thank you” pop onto the screen briefly before the menu appears normally.

Being reminded of Gilda Radner’s SNL bit about Rosanne Rosanna Danna’s mantra of, “If it’s not one thing, it’s another. It’s always something,” the eight-ounce coffee selection is made. The first sip is heaven and a reminder to call the machine feelings doctor and get an appointment for an examination. The second sip is covered by the Westminster Chime cacophony of the doorbell. A quick toss of a chew toy into the soundproof room and a slam of the door returns the room to silence from the bone-cracking barking of Tempeste and Twiggy.

A look at the porch camera screen confirms that a person looking very much like Mike Tyson is glaring at the camera. “What do you want?” is the message. “Delivery for J. Howell came the answer.” “Just leave it.” A low growl through the speaker convinced me I had better open the door. The security system shutdown process has begun. The SWAT team needs to be put on standby. A quick text to the leader confirms that status. Also, the flight of A-10 Warthogs must be diverted. Another call to the commander puts that worry to rest. The SEAL team needs to be called off, and a call to the leader makes that possible. The control panel makes the shutdown of the security system process simpler. The boiling oil vats are put on standby, the turret mortars disengaged, the Trebuchet on safety, the concertina wire rolled, the Claymore mines reset, the tower Gatling guns on safety, the moat net dropped, the alligators fed, the IEDs and shoulder-held rockets put away. The locks on the door are thrown. And the door opened.

“You, Howell?” “Yes.” “Sign here or I will be forced to squeeze your head like a ripe cantaloupe.”

The letter is from Linda Hill, and after I sign and make a crack about great customer service, the guy turns to leave. “What, no tip?” he says. “Cross only on green,” is my retort. I slam the door and throw the locks. I open the letter, and it reads.

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “jumble.” Use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!

To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda Hill’s post. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2025/06/20/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-june-21-2025/

Jumble by John W. Howell © 2025

“No clock again?”

“Nope. History was a jumble of nothing going on. The only thing reported 100 years ago was a baseball game between the Ku Klux Klan  of Kansas and a black semi-pro team.”

“Might have been interesting. Who won?”

“The black team.”

“Put a hole in superiority claims, I guess.”

“For sure.”

“Speaking of superior.”

“Let me guess. Time for VooDoo Rangers. Call Uber.”

“Already did. He’s right over there.”

Photo by Jan Sikes

“Okay, that makes me laugh.”

“Why? It is luxury personified.”

“Yeah, if you’re lying flat on your back in a casket.”

“Oh, come on. That’s not a hearse.”

“What do you think it is?”

“Looks like a Mardi Gras SUV.”

“Well, I can see seats, so you may be right. I’m also reminded of the Popemobile.”

“Don’t worry. No one is going to confuse you with the pope.”

“Let’s go. How do you find these things anyway?”

“I have friends in high places.”

 

 

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

~ John W. Howell ~ 79 Comments
© energy dependence

 

Today’s story comes from INFO Culture and was sent to me by Noelle Granger.

Goodbye to energy dependence – Alaska discovers more than 1,200 TWh hidden under the ice, and the find could change the world

by

A Frozen River in Alaska Could Hold the Key to America’s Next Energy Breakthrough

Move Over Solar and Wind—There’s a New Renewable Power Source Flowing Under the Ice

For years, the United States has been chasing the dream of energy independence. From offshore drilling to wind farms and desert solar arrays, every strategy has aimed to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and foreign oil. But what if the future of clean, constant energy isn’t in the sky—or under the earth—but under frozen rivers in Alaska?

Yes, you read that right. Beneath the ice-covered surface of rivers like the Yukon, water flows year-round. And with it, an invisible, powerful current of renewable hydrokinetic energy—an untapped resource that could reshape how remote communities, and possibly the nation, power their lives.

What Is Hydrokinetic Energy—and Why Should You Care?

Unlike dams that flood valleys or wind farms that depend on gusty weather, hydrokinetic energy captures the natural flow of water without disrupting the environment. Special turbines are placed underwater, spinning silently as rivers flow past them—even when those rivers are sealed under ice for months at a time.

The star of this story? A new technology called the Reactive Reversible Blade Turbine (RRBT), which can generate electricity in slow-moving, ice-covered rivers. Developed with support from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) and backed by a $1.5 million U.S. Department of Energy grant, these turbines are being tested in Alaska’s Tanana River right now.

Why Frozen Rivers Are the Perfect Power Plants

Rivers like the Yukon continue to flow beneath thick layers of ice, even during brutal Alaskan winters. That means they offer something solar and wind can’t: constant, year-round power. In regions where the sun disappears for weeks and the wind dies down, this uninterrupted energy flow is a game-changer.

And it’s not just theoretical. According to UAF research, U.S. rivers could generate more than 1,100 terawatt-hours (TWh) of renewable electricity each year—roughly a third of America’s total electricity consumption. That’s:

  • Enough to power 100 million homes annually
  • Nearly double the output of all U.S. solar panels combined
  • A potential lifeline for off-grid and Indigenous communities still dependent on costly, imported diesel fuel

No Pollution. No Pipelines. No Grid Required.

Hydrokinetic power is especially suited for remote locations. Many Alaskan villages can’t access traditional energy infrastructure. Instead, they rely on diesel generators that are expensive to fuel and maintain. These new turbines offer a cleaner, quieter alternative that can be installed and managed locally, creating new jobs and slashing energy costs.

And unlike other solutions, this one doesn’t need a grid connection. That’s a big deal for communities that are miles from the nearest power line.

Who’s Behind the Innovation?

This isn’t a tech unicorn or billion-dollar startup. The work is being led by public institutions and research labs, including:

  • University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF)
  • Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP)
  • Creek Tides Energy and Power, a turbine design firm
  • Southwest Research Institute
  • Pacific Marine Energy Center, part of the Department of Energy

Other parts of the world are already harnessing hydrokinetic power. Scotland’s MeyGen tidal array is supplying homes with clean electricity. In Canada and parts of New York, underwater turbines are quietly producing energy without a sound.

But Alaska, with its sprawling river systems and challenging winters, may be the ultimate proving ground.

The Quiet Energy Revolution Has Already Begun

The energy future we’ve been waiting for may not come from deep mines or solar megaprojects. It might be flowing just beneath our feet—silent, steady, and under a sheet of ice.

And unlike solar panels or wind turbines, this power doesn’t shut down when the sky clouds over or the wind dies. It just keeps moving. Because rivers don’t stop.

Why This Matters—Right Now

As America confronts rising energy costs, climate change, and unreliable power grids, we need solutions that are not only clean but also constant. Hydrokinetic river energy checks both boxes. It’s renewable, reliable, and ready to scale.

So maybe it’s time we stop chasing what’s buried deep underground and start listening to the quiet current beneath the ice.

Alaska’s rivers might just carry the future of American energy.

The good news in this article is that folks are working on another alternative to fossil fuels that don’t have the downside carbon costs of other alternative methods. Today’s JohnKu talks about alternatives. I hope you have a beautiful weekend.

Choices by John W Howell © 2025

More smart minds at work,

Great thinking outside the box . . .

For our greater good.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Tempeste Makes a Break for It.

~ John W. Howell ~ 120 Comments

“You know Twiggy. I’ve been thinking.”

“Pretty dangerous stuff, Tempest.”

“I’m serious. I want to get outside that fence and see the real world.”

“That fence keeps you from eating everything on the ground.”

“So I’m told. I believe it keeps me from developing my full potential.”

“You keep eating sticks and leaves, and you have the potential of a walk across the Rainbow Bridge.”

“Oh, come on. Haven’t you wondered what life is like on the outside?”

“I’ve been there. Besides, I don’t eat everything in sight.”

“Suit yourself. I’m going to find a weak spot and break out.”

“Don’t come crying to me if you get into trouble.”

“You’re not going to rat me out, are you?”

“Of course not. You are free to be stupid if you want.”

“Hmm. This seems pretty strong.”

“That’s cause there is a support there holding it secure. Look where there aren’t any.”

“I thought you were against this plan.”

“I can’t stand to see you flounder around.”

“Okay then. Where would you try to escape?”

“I would look for a spot that seems shaky.”

“Any ideas where such a spot would be?”

“Try down at the other end.”

“I see what you mean. Thanks a bunch, sis.”

“I know nothing. This step has been used by a beetle.”

” I think I found a place at this end.”

“I hear nothing.”

“Twiggy. Do something to help me.”

“This is another fine kettle of fish you’ve gotten yourself into, Tempeste.”

“Call Mom.”

“You are going to be in so much trouble.”

 

 

Guest Post – Esther Chilton – The Secret Dragon – Pre-Order Launch – #newbook

~ John W. Howell ~ 85 Comments

 

I want to welcome Esther Chilton to Fiction Favorites. Most of you know Esther as a fun blogger who puts up some interesting prompts. She also blogs about the places she has visited. You may not know that Esther is an accomplished author, writing tutor, and editor. She has many awards, and her work can be found in newspapers, periodicals, and commercial materials. Today, Esther talks about her latest book The Secret Dragon. So, without more chin music from me, here is Esther.

It’s a pleasure to be featured on John’s blog today, with news of my new children’s book for 5-7-year-olds. It’s called The Secret Dragon and is the first in the Saffy’s Secret Quest series. Publication day is 28th July, but the book is available for pre-order. Here’s a little bit more about it:

The blurb

 When Saffy discovers a dragon statue at the bottom of her garden, her boring summer holiday becomes full of excitement.

The statue is a real dragon called Lily. She’s from the magical world of Mandoreum, a place that’s in danger and in need of Saffy’s help.

 There are clues to solve, a wicked witch to battle, and secrets to be kept at all costs. Will Saffy be able to save Mandoreum before it’s too late?

 Extract:

 Saffy walked over to the bench and sank down onto the seat.

“Ow!” she cried, jumping up immediately. She had sat on something sharp. She turned round and looked down.

It was a statue of a dragon. Though it wasn’t a very pretty dragon, if dragons could ever be called pretty. Most of the dragons she had seen in books and films were ugly, fierce, fire-breathing monsters.

This one had bald patches all over its skin and scales hanging down. There were fluffy cotton wool balls where claws should have been and a silly little stump of a tail instead of a long one.

The dragon didn’t appear to have any teeth, and its wings were broken. Saffy was sure it wouldn’t be very good at breathing fire, either. In fact, the dragon looked very sorry for itself indeed and not even the tiniest bit fierce.

She wondered who it belonged to. Perhaps someone hadn’t wanted it anymore and had thrown it over the fence. No one would want a statue like that.

Saffy gasped. A tear was rolling down the dragon’s cheek. Something very strange was going on.

She thought about running back indoors. It was going to start raining again soon anyway. But something was forcing her forward. Unable to stop herself, her hand reached out and she clasped the statue.

A cackle filled the air, followed by a howl of anguish. Thunder clashed overhead, and a flash of lightning lit the sky, sending down a shower of sparkling stars. One by one, they fell on the statue.

“I’m sorry about that,” the statue said, “but I had to get you to pick me up. Well, that’s it. The last little bit of Mandoreum’s magic has gone. Did you hear Narla? That was her cackling. Awful, wasn’t it?”

It began to swell, growing bigger and bigger and bigger. Saffy dropped it and scrambled to get out the way. Too late – splash! Over she went, right into the middle of a murky, muddy puddle.

Saffy looked up at the statue – at its huge, cotton wool feet, up to its mighty scales dangling down and up into its face and row of red gums, which were looming closer and closer as the dragon bent towards her.

Suddenly, the dragon looked very fierce indeed.

Author bio:

Esther has been a freelance writer for over twenty years, regularly writing articles and short stories for magazines and newspapers such as Writers’ Forum, Writing Magazine, The Guardian, Best of British, The Cat, This England, Yours and The People’s Friend.  

Winner of several competitions, including those run by Writing Magazine and The Global Short Story Contest, she has also had the privilege of judging writing competitions and relished being given the role of head judge of the Writers’ Forum monthly short story competition.

Esther loves writing but equally enjoys helping others, which she achieves in her role as a tutor for The Writers Bureau. She also runs their monthly writing club, Let’s Write.

She has had two how-to books on writing published as well as two collections of short stories. Her first children’s book is coming out in July, where she writes under the name of Esther Moonstomp.

Blogs: https://estherchilton.co.uk

https://esthermoonstomp.co.uk

Buying links:

Paperback: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-Dragon-Saffys-Quest/dp/1836283881

Ebook: UK  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FCMZ6LMW

EBook: US https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Dragon-Saffys-Quest-Book-ebook/dp/B0FCMZ6LMW

Thank you for hosting me, John.

Always a pleasure, Esther. Wishing you much success on The Secret Dragon

 

 

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Punch

~ John W. Howell ~ 54 Comments

Today I randomly opened Our Justice to page 53 and pointed to the page with eyes closed. The word “punch ” was closest to my finger, our prompt today.

Punch by John W. Howell © 2025

“Go ahead. Take a swing.”

“Oh, come on. I’m not going to punch you.”

“But that’s what you said.”

“Yeah, I used the word, but in a different context.”

“Let me quote you. ‘If you don’t leave the girl alone, you’ll get a punch.'”

“Yes, that’s accurate.”

“So what part of that wasn’t a threat that you will punch me?”

“What I meant was the girl would likely punch you if you didn’t quit annoying her, not me.”

“Well, she didn’t.”

“Yeah, that’s because you turned on me instead.”

“Besides, I wasn’t annoying her. She was asking me for a ride.”

“Why would she ask you for a ride?”

“Hello. I’m a horse. She is all dressed for riding, so why not?”

“No one asks me for a ride.”

“That’s cause you are a donkey.”

“I don’t see the difference. I have four legs and can support the weight.”

“But you are not sleek-looking, and your voice is annoying.”

“Who said that?”

“It’s a fact.”

“Well, that is disheartening.”

“Forget it. I’ll run with you.”

“I appreciate that, but it doesn’t make up for no one wanting to ride me.”

“I’ll tell you, having a Gen X spoiled kid on your back is no picnic. Be glad.”

“Well, I see what you are saying.”

“Besides, you do a great job keeping the coyotes out of the pasture.”

“You’ve made me feel better.”

“Great. Let’s go run before that girl comes back.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do When Spending Time at the DMV

~ John W. Howell ~ 86 Comments

 

This post ran in 2014 and my last visit to the DMV validated that the information is still useful. My thanks to Marie Ann Bailey who co-authored this post back then.

Top Ten Things Not to Do When Spending Time in the DMV

10 When spending time in the DMV, do not show any sign of impatience. If you do, at best, the clerks will slow service just to see you sweat. At worst, you will need a defibrillator to restart your heart after you go apoplectic from missing your turn because you forgot to take a number.

9 When spending time in the DMV, make sure all your paperwork is complete before your number is called. If you don’t, at best, the clerks will have a good laugh sending you back to the end of the queue. At worst, you will be tempted to say something like “Really?” in a heavily sarcastic voice which will result in you being banned from the DMV for the day.

8 When spending time in the DMV, make certain you do not leave the room until your number is called. If you do, at best, your number will be called the second you leave and you’ll rush back in time. At worst, your number will be called and then the next person served. You will need to wait until your number comes up again in a week.

7 When spending time in the DMV, be careful on what and how much you drink. If you don’t, at best, you will experience number eight while visiting the restroom. At worst, you will try to gut it out and the clerks will be able to tell you are in a dire situation and prolong your agony along the lines of number ten.

6 When spending time in the DMV, do not arrive during the hours of eleven and two. If you do, at best, you will be subject to the lunch hour slowdown and have a longer wait. At worst, you will be caught in a never-ending situation with only one clerk at a time working while the rest go out for drinks and to celebrate the hundredth slow down heart attack of the month.

5 When spending time in the DMV, make sure you bring something to read other than your phone, kindle or tablet. If you don’t, at best, you will be forced to ask your neighbor for something to read since the DMV is a digital dead zone. At worst, you will be forced to watch the slowly moving clerks for hours on end who appear to be sharing the same “look at this” joke and working two and three together on one problem.

4 When spending time in the DMV, do not make eye contact with any humans in the room. If you do, at best, you will be asked to help with someone’s paperwork. At worst, you’ll have to hear some sad story of why this person needs to get back to work to support the sick family and a request to trade places which you will find hard to turn down.

3 When spending time in the DMV, do not talk to any human beings in the room. If you do, at best, you will need to endure the endless complaining on the slowness of the system. At worst, you may find yourself in the company of someone who is getting ready to crack under the DMV waiting pressure.

2 When spending time in the DMV, do not dress in your finest. If you do, at best, you will be subject to endless requests for “just a dollar so I can get my license.” At worst, you might be asked to hand over all your money by a serious looking gent who swears he has a gun in his pocket.

1 When spending time in the DMV, do not attempt to numb your pain with any kind of substance, controlled or otherwise. If you do, at best, you might fall asleep and miss the call of your number. At worst, you might end up on the six and eleven o’clock news leading a riot in the DMV which seemed like a good idea at the time you were leading it.