Guest Post – Liz Gauffreau – #newbook – Simple Pleasures: Haiku from the Place Just Right!

August 7, 2024August 6, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 136 Comments

I am so happy to have Liz Gauffreau here on Fiction Favorites. Liz is a very creative writer and poet. She is here to talk about her new book, which is comprised of haikus. I will admit I’m no stranger to haikus, though; Liz makes my efforts pale in comparison.

Thank you, John, for hosting me on Day #2 of my blog tour for Simple Pleasures: Haiku from the Place Just Right! Haiku seems to have become part of Western popular culture, so when I was putting this blog tour together, I was curious as to whether it had inspired any music.

Sure enough, I found a silly, albeit very catchy, haiku song on YouTube. (I’ll spare your readers, “I Wrote Haikus about Cannibalism in Your Yearbook.” It’s just a bunch of young men screaming unintelligibly over eardrum-piercing heavy metal guitar. Not Zen at all.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvmdEGR93mE

Haiku has even entered the stand-up comedy sphere!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwnqUmmJ-zE

I’m sure I could find a scholarly work of literary criticism to explain the cultural phenomenon of poking fun at haiku, but I’d rather just write haiku for my own purposes of expression.

Author Biography

Elizabeth Gauffreau writes fiction and poetry with a strong connection to family and place. Her work has been widely published in literary magazines, as well as several themed anthologies. Her short story “Henrietta’s Saving Grace” was awarded the 2022 Ben Nyberg Prize for fiction by Choeofpleirn Press.

She has published a novel, Telling Sonny, and a collection of photopoetry, Grief Songs: Poems of Love & Remembrance. She is currently working on a novel, The Weight of Snow and Regret, based on the closing of the last poor farm in Vermont in 1968.

Liz’s professional background is in nontraditional higher education, including academic advising, classroom and online teaching, curriculum development, and program administration. She received the Granite State College Distinguished Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2018. Liz lives in Nottingham, New Hampshire, with her husband. Find her online at https://lizgauffreau.com

Purchase links:

Book2Read Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/SimplePleasures

Print & Fixed EPUB for tablets and Kindle Fire

BookFunnel PDF Purchase Link: https://buy.bookfunnel.com/gef1ili6qd

For any device.

Blog Tour Host Links: https://lizgauffreau.com/simple-pleasures-blog-tour-links/

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Kidnapping

August 6, 2024August 5, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 54 Comments

Today, I opened the book The Last Stop to a random page (219) and pointed to the page with my eyes closed. The word closest to my finger is the word “kidnapping.”

“I have heard everything now.”

“What do you mean?”

“I can’t believe you would tell a story like that.”

“Well, it’s true.”

“It is so hard to believe I must call foul.”

“My kidnapping is the truth.”

“Oh, please. Your parents are wonderful folks.”

“Yeah, they are, but it still doesn’t take away from the fact that they kidnapped me.”

“Why do you say that?”

“All you have to do is look at them and then look at me.”

“So what’s your point.”

“Are you kidding me? My point is I don’t look anything like them.”

“I never noticed. Okay, but that still doesn’t mean you were kidnapped.”

“I don’t talk like them either.”

“Oh, come on. Yes, your voice is a little deeper, but still.”

“I’m telling you they stole me from my natural parents.”

“Hold on. I think I read about something like this.”

“You did?”

“Yes. National Geographic Magazine had an article about brown-headed cowbirds.”

“What does that have to do with anything.”

“You have a brown head.”

“Yes.”

“And your mom and dad are bluebirds.”

“Yes, of course.”

“That’s it then.”

“What’s it?”

“Brown-headed cowbird moms lay their eggs in other bird’s nests, and then the other birds raise their young.”

“You mean I’m a Brown-headed cowbird?”

“Looks like it.”

“Abandoned by its mother.”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake. Get off the half-empty kick. You have wonderful and loving bluebird parents.”

“I guess it could be worse. I could have been raised by wolves.”

“There you go. Although wolves don’t build nests or lay eggs.”

“Hey, it’s my coping mechanism. Don’t throw shade on my parade.”

“Fine. Anything to get you thinking positively.”

“I think I’ll start thinking like the bluebird of happiness.”

“Swell. Let’s go flying.”

“We can sing songs.”

“Yeah, Maybe you should let me handle that.”

“What do you mean?”

“Never mind. Take to wing bluebird of happiness.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do If You Have Fallen Behind on Social Media

August 5, 2024August 4, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 61 Comments

This post was published on July 2, 2018, but I think it has relevance today. I hope you enjoy it.

* * *

The inspiration for this list came from Linda Leinen, the author of the terrific blog Task at Hand.

We were commenting on one of my Top Ten posts, and she wondered, “Have you ever done a Top Ten Things to Do for people who are trying to get caught up online?” I indicated that I could do the reciprocal of that thought, and here it is today. Thanks, Linda, for the question.

Linda has had unique experiences, and visiting her blog will be rewarding.

Top Ten Things Not to Do if You Have Fallen Behind on Social Media

Here is the list. (Anyone who might think this list is serious, please be advised it is a broad satire statement regarding our phobic belief that social media is indispensable)

10 If you have fallen behind on social media, do not make up an excuse like, “I have been so busy being successful with my new bestseller; I just haven’t had time for you little people.” If you do, at best, you’ll lose a few followers. At worst, you might wake up to the sound of crickets on all your social media accounts. (Where did all those followers go, Ermanno?)

9 If you have fallen behind on social media, do not panic and accept a friend request from just anyone. If you do, at best, you may have a long list of people you don’t know. At worst, you might accept a friend request from Tiny, the WWF champ, just after his online romance fell apart. (You gotta hope the one hundred direct messages from Tiny are just a fluke for today, Ervin. Heaven knows you don’t want to unfriend him. Ever.)

8 If you have fallen behind on social media, do not think that by posting more, you will be back sooner. If you do, at best, it will just make the problem more intense. At worst, now your followers will think you are having some kind of psychological break and will hit unfollow faster than a duck on a June bug. (Never thought more is less, did you, Esbjorn?)

7 If you have fallen behind on social media, do not just delete all the comments to which you cannot respond. If you do, at best, some will not notice. At worst, a large group of followers will think you passed away and will start a GoFundMe campaign for a memorial. (That is if you are well-liked, Eskil. More than likely, there will be a host of unfollows)

6 If you have fallen behind on social media, do not check yourself into a treatment center. If you do, at best, you’ll be discharged immediately as a ‘nothing wrong here person.’ At worst, you’ll inadvertently make up some mental problem, which will take ten weeks of group therapy before you are set free. (That will teach you to run away from your problems, Este. Now what?)

5 If you have fallen behind on social media, do not run away to a cabin in the woods. If you do, at best, you’ll aggravate the bears. At worst, while you are off the grid, a new social media form will be invented, and when you return, you will be hopelessly behind this one as well. (Ever hear of Moore’s Law, Eumaeus. You are now in the dark ages.)

4 If you have fallen behind on social media, do not attempt to compensate by eating ice cream. If you do, at best, the time spent eating will get you further back. At worst, your ice cream bill and your extra pounds will go up in equal proportions. (It doesn’t help to eat ice cream while on a stationary bike, Eurypylus.)

3 If you have fallen behind on social media, do not call the suicide hotline. If you do, at best, they will hang up. At worst, you’ll get someone who has a difficult time understanding the severe nature of your angst and will start cracking jokes about your condition. (You have to admit, Eustis. Your problem is pretty minor compared to that of other folks.)

2 If you have fallen behind on social media, do not call 911 for help. If you do, at best, the line will be busy. At worst, the officers dispatched to your house will hand you a citation for a false emergency. (Of course, Everard, there could be a minor miracle where one of the officers is behind on social media as well. If so, you are saved.)

1 If you have fallen behind on social media, do not think all those busy folks who stay current with you will simply ignore your faux pas. If you do, at best, you will experience the sound of silence. At worst, you must curry forgiveness by inventing an ironclad excuse. (The only reason that is not debatable as to its harmful interference with your social media obligations is to tell everyone you are recovering from brain surgery. Of course, Evyn, you can’t fall behind again.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Texas –

August 4, 2024August 3, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 69 Comments

With Tempeste back from the vet, time got away from me this week. There was an event on Friday that would have made a good Views post, but unfortunately, I couldn’t make it. Rather than not posting, looking back at the first Views of the Neighborhood posted shortly after our move to Lakeway might be fun. I hope you enjoy it.

* * *

Happy St. Patrick’s Day. This is the first Views of the Neighborhood from our new home. Today, we are visiting a park celebrating service a couple of blocks away. This is not a place of loss but of recognition. Here, the men and women from Lakeway who served in the military are honored.

The central arch lets visitors know what to expect inside.

The Story of the Spirit of Freedom Monument

The Spirit of Freedom Monument was erected to honor World War II veterans.

The Koran War was added.

The Vietnam War

Gulf War, Afghanistan, Iraq, and El Salvador

Gulf, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Panama

Another view of the whole setting.

On the other side of the arch is a statement of truth.

The well from the original ranch house was established on this spot. Lakeway was once a ranch.

One view of the original ranch house. The house is made out of stone.

The entrance to the ranch house

The Heritage Center is filled with information about Lakeway.

The Heritage Park sign. The monument is in the background.

A reminder that no matter how cute, deer are better off not being fed. Lucy and Twiggy better obey the little sign as well. I hope you enjoyed the first outing in Lakeway.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Pore/Poor/Pour

August 3, 2024August 2, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 66 Comments

The coffee machine is taking its sweet time producing the brew I need. Desire is like a pore that gets bigger. When the cup finally arrives, the tendency is to pour it directly down the throat. My poor body is screaming, but a sip will have to suffice. Once done, my attention turns to the clock. It is set for August 3rd, 1924. The destination is Lyon, France, and the duration is an hour. The plunger is pulled.

We find ourselves in Lyon, the site of the 1924 Grand Prix of France.

Giuseppe Campari of Italy won the French Grand Prix, driving an Alfa Romeo P2 and finishing first among 22 drivers, more than one minute ahead of Albert Divo of France. The race took place over 35 laps for a total distance of 810.09 km.

We now know that Giuseppe competed in auto races until 1933. He was also a professional opera singer. Sadly, he was 41 years old when he was killed in a crash in 1933.

Just as the champaign corks start flying, our alarm goes off, and we land safely on the trusty couch. Linda’s text is waiting. It reads.

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “pore/poor/pour.’” Use any of them or use them all. Bonus points if you fit ’em all into your post. Have fun!

If you are curious about what other bloggers do with this prompt, visit Linda’s post. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2024/08/02/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-aug-3-2024/

“Looks like you got the bonus.”

“Yup. One more lug nut for my Bentley Turbo convertible.”

“You crack me up with that.”

“We all have to have a goal.”

“Yeah, but a Bentley Turbo?”

“Name a better one.”

“Best-selling author?”

“One that is achievable.”

“How about a Voo Doo Ranger?”

“I think you have something there. Uber?”

“Right over there.”

“That looks like a 1979 GMC Caballero.”

“It beats me. All those kinds of cars look the same.”

“It’s a classic. Of course, the cabin is a little cramped. Maybe you could ride in the back.”

“You would have to pour me out at the pub with my poor, very sore anal pore.”

“TMI, let’s all sit up front.”

“Good solution.”

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

August 2, 2024August 1, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 61 Comments

The Total Artificial Heart, made of titanium – credit BiVACOR

Today’s good news comes from the Goodnews Network

Titanium Maglev Heart Implanted Successfully in a Patient for First Time May Help Others Waiting for a Transplant

Andy Corbley –Aug 1, 2024

In a highly-anticipated world-first, the Texas Heart Institute has successfully implanted an artificial titanium heart that uses the same technology as bullet trains to pump blood mechanically throughout the body.

Called the Total Artificial Heart (TAH), the feat is seen as a major step in keeping people alive for longer and longer periods while they wait for heart transplants.

Texas Heart partnered with the medical tech company BiVACOR to create the TAH. It’s a titanium-constructed biventricular rotary blood pump with a single moving part that utilizes a magnetically levitated rotor that pumps the blood and replaces both ventricles of a failing heart.

The benefit of using magnetic levitation is that none of the moving parts ever scrape or slide against each other, reducing friction and dramatically increasing the longevity of the device. But what’s really cool is the TAH can pump blood at a rate of 12 liters per minute, enough to allow an adult male to engage in exercise.

The first-in-human clinical study, overseen closely by the FDA, aims to evaluate the safety and performance of the BiVACOR TAH as a bridge-to-transplant solution for patients with severe bi or univentricular heart failure. Following this first implantation completed at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center in the Texas Medical Center, four additional patients are to be enrolled in the study.

BiVACOR founder and CTO Daniel Timms tests the artificial heart – credit BiVACOR.

“The Texas Heart Institute is enthused about the groundbreaking first implantation of BiVACOR’s TAH. With heart failure remaining a leading cause of mortality globally, the BiVACOR TAH offers a beacon of hope for countless patients awaiting a heart transplant,” said Dr. Joseph Rogers, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Texas Heart Institute and National Principal Investigator on the research.

“We are proud to be at the forefront of this medical breakthrough, working alongside the dedicated teams at BiVACOR, Baylor College of Medicine, and Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center to transform the future of heart failure therapy for this vulnerable population.”

Heart failure is a global epidemic affecting at least 26 million people worldwide, 6.2 million adults in the US, and is increasing in prevalence. Heart transplantations are reserved for those with severe heart failure and are limited to fewer than 6,000 procedures per year globally. Consequently, the US National Institutes of Health estimated that up to 100,000 patients could immediately benefit from mechanical alternatives.

The successful implantation of BiVACOR’s TAH highlights the potential of innovative technologies to address critical challenges in cardiac care, such as long transplantation waitlists.

“This achievement would not have been possible without the courage of our first patient and their family, the dedication of our team, and our expert collaborators at The Texas Heart Institute,” said Daniel Timms, founder and CTO of BiVACOR.

WATCH the story below…

The Good News in this report is that more and more people can be saved. Today’s JohnKu talks about dedication. I hope you have a fabulous weekend.

Sometimes answers found,

By thinking outside the box . . .

Show dedication.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy Welcomes Tempeste Home From the Vet

August 1, 2024July 31, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 150 Comments

“Twiggy, wake up. Mom is heading this way with Tempeste.”

“Muufff. Oh, good.”

“They will be here pretty soon, so we want to be ready for them.”

“What did Tempeste have done?”

“Well, she has had Stenotic Nares Correction surgery and a spay.

“I know what spay is, but what is that other thing?”

“Her nostrils are pinched, so she had to have surgery to correct that so she can breathe freely.”

“I never noticed that she had a problem.”

“It is better to care for it now that she is young than to wait until there is trouble.”

“How about my nostrils? Are they okay?”

“Yes, yours are okay. You were checked out long ago.”

“That’s good. Hey, I hear something.”

“That is mom pulling in the garage.”

“I can’t wait to see if Tempest is okay.”

“How you doing Tempeste. I was worried.”

“I’m real tired. Plus, I have to wear this stupid cone.”

“That is to protect you from hurting yourself. Your nose looks good.”

“Thanks, I think. You know this bed is not big enough for the cone and me.”

“Mom brought you a bigger bed. How does that feel?”

“Oh, much better. I really need to take a nap.”

“Yes, you need to get some rest. Trust me, you will feel better tomorrow.”

“The nose thing I get, but what is a spay anyway?”

“We’ll talk later. But for now, know that you’ll be glad you have it. I know I am.”

Tuesday Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Struggle

July 30, 2024July 29, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 55 Comments

Keith Channing is taking some time off from his Kreative Kue feature. Being addicted to prompts, I have brought back the Finger-Point Prompt. Here is how it works. I open a book to a random page and, without looking, point to a spot on the page. The word or words closest to my finger is the prompt. Today I opened Eternal Road – The last stop to page 201. My finger is closest to the word ‘struggle,’ our prompt.

“What are you doing?”

“Trying to figure out this math problem. It is a real struggle.”

“You want some help?”

“You know anything about calculus?”

“Are you kidding me? I have a PhD in quantum physics.”

“I didn’t know that.”

“I think there is a lot you don’t know about me.”

“I would appreciate the help, but I need to know something.”

“What? As if I couldn’t guess.”

“What do you mean?”

“When people know I have a PhD, they always ask me what am I doing being a plumber.”

“That did come to mind.”

“Let me tell you a little story. I was working on a job, and when it came time to present the bill, the customer looked at it and said, ‘This comes out to $500.00 an hour. That’s more than my doctor charges.'”

“Okay, and the point is?”

“The point was my reply to the customer, ‘I know. I used to be a doctor.’ Now let me look at your problem.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do While Making a Top Ten Things Not to Do List

July 29, 2024July 30, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 49 Comments

This post was run on June 25, 2018. It still may make some sense.

Top Ten Things Not-to-Do While Making a Top Ten Things Not-to-Do List

10 If you are making a top ten things not-to-do list, do not search the internet for top ten ideas. If you do, at best, your creativity will be stilted. At worst, you’ll start duplicating others’ work without knowing it. (Looks like that plagiarism charge is going to stick, Elder. There goes the old writing career.)

9 If you are making a top ten things not-to-do list, do not ask Tiny, the WWF champ, to preview the ridiculous stuff you wrote about him. If you do, at best, Tiny left his reading glasses at home. At worst, Tiny just left his self-esteem support group and is now taking everything you wrote literally. (I wouldn’t worry about getting your shredded paper back, Elia. I think I would begin to move towards the door.)

8 If you are making a top ten things not-to-do list, do not check with a loved one to see if it is funny. If you do, at best, you’ll be disappointed with the response. At worst, you’ll get a reminder about how beautiful it would be if you had a real job. (You can’t expect everyone to like your stuff, Ellery. Keep looking; maybe you’ll find one person who does.)

7 If you are making a top ten things not-to-do list, do not stare at people who will eventually end up on the list. If you do, at best, one may ask you, “Are you looking at me?” At worst, you might be taken for a stalker and have to explain yourself. (As you can see, the police have no interest in your list-making career, Elson. They just want you to come quietly.)

6 If you are making a top ten things not-to-do list, do not make the subject so obscure no one will get it. If you do, at best, your readership may drop. At worst, you will be explaining your meaning for the next ten years. (So why do you suppose nobody got the Top Ten things not to do in a Barnyard, Emery? I thought it was fascinating.)

5 If you are making a top ten things not-to-do list, do not make a list so familiar that everyone will think you did these things. If you do, at best, you’ll look like a fool. At worst, the FBI opens a file about you, and you get this strange feeling you are being followed. (Don’t look now, Emilin, but there is a black SUV at the end of your block.)

4 If you are making a top ten things not-to-do list, do not think the subjects will come to you if you drink more. If you do, at best, you can run one you published before. At worst, you will actually hit publish without waiting until the morning after to proofread the work. ( You know those seven words George Carlin said can’t be used on the radio? Well, Emrys, you used each one in your post. They aren’t allowed there either.)

3 If you are making a top ten things not-to-do list, do not think you have to be practical. If you do, at best, your work will be as dry as unbuttered rye toast. At worst, you’ll get mail from folks more practical than you telling you how your list is impractical. ( just shows to go ya, Endymion. You can’t please all the people all the time. Gotta stick with fiction.)

2 If you are making a top ten things not-to-do list, do not stop until you have ten things. If you do, at best, you’ll look like you had a bad night. At worst, folks will be looking for the tenth item and will assume you are holding out on them. (Okay, so it is not such a big deal, Enrico, but some of your regulars are talking about a boycott. Who advertises ten and then publishes only nine? Crazy people, that’s who.)

1. If you are making a top ten things not-to-do list, do not think you will be discovered someday. If you do, at best, you’ll still work in the dark. At worst, you will create a false expectation that your lists are the key to fame. (It looks like another day has passed without that million seller, Ericson. Maybe you need to make another list.)