with John W. Howell
It has been 95 years since Martin Luther King Jr was born. Today we celebrate his birth, although the actual day was January 15th. Today’s Top Ten is focused on just one thing not to do. Do not hate your neighbor, and learn from Dr. King’s non-violent approach to change.
I wish for a day of peace that will become so comfortable that it extends into a week, then a month, then a year. Who knows? It could last a lifetime.
Let’s hope Dr. King’s example serves to guide our behavior going forward.
Today we are going on a scavenger hunt sponsored by Lakeway Parks and Recreation. It is titled the GOOD “TIME” SCAVENGER HUNT, and here is a description by the city. Happy New Year, Lakeway! It’s a “good time” to celebrate the start of 2023 with Parks & Recreation! As you walk the lower level of Lakeway City Park, you will find 26 clocks along the trail. Each clock has a letter and number that corresponds to the hidden answer key. Solve the secret message and win a prize!
We are being catered by Canje Caribbean of Austin. Our entertainment is Time of My Life from Dirty Dancing.
Menu
Striped Bass
Tamarind, Rum Butter, Green Mango, Papaya
Acorn Squash
Coconut Choka, Passion Fruit, Black Beans
Curry Wagyu Beef
Rutabaga, Coconut Milk, Chili Oil
Wild Boar Pepper Pot
Cassareep, Orange Peel, Ginger
Grilled Pork Guisado
Berkshire Pork Chop, Tomato, Tomato
Jerk Chicken
½ Heritage Chicken, Ginger Pineapple Glaze
Let’s get rolling. We only have time for half of the alphabet when we get there. We will be hunting the clocks in order, starting with the odd numbers (yes, we are making it difficult), and then we will fill out the key at the end of today. After next week we should have the puzzle solved.
Okay, here’s the first one. Letter H.
The number three. Letter Q.
Five and V.
Seven is J
Nine equals A
Eleven S. The wind blew this one to the ground.
Lucky thirteen is a K.
Fifteen a D and another grounder.
Seventeen a lazy Z.
Nineteen a Y. Y? because we like you. (not too many of your know where that came from)
Twenty-one is an I.
Twenty-three a W.
Twenty-five, the last for today is a G.
So here is our Key filled out.
Any guesses?
Now that you have worked so hard sit back and enjoy the food and the show.
“Hey, Lucy. What gives? Where’s dad? He’s supposed to be taking photos of us for a Saturday feature.”
“I know he promised a move to Saturday during the book tour, Little One, but he got an invite to Dan Antion’s bar.”
“He’s over there, and we are left high and dry?”
“You know how he is about more than one post a day. He put us here to let everyone know they should go over there.”
“So we should tell everyone to go to the bar?”
“Yup. He’s talking about The Last Drive with Dan, David, and Skippy, the bartender. We’ll be back next week.
Here is the link to Dan’s Post.
In my mind, Dan is a jack of all trades. His professional life was all things IT in the business world, with a stint as a Cabinet maker. He also is the DYI master of all masters. His tool supply is something to lust after, and he has shown us how skilled he is with home projects. He is the consummate blogger and is now the captain of the popular Thursday Door feature.
At long last, Dan has also published his Dreamer’s Alliance Series.
Here is the Series Page on Amazon
Thank you, Dan, for helping spread the word on The Last Drive.
I have closed the comments so you can enjoy a drink with Dan.
I am grateful to be with Marie Ann Bailey today. She is helping launch The Last Drive. Here is the link to her post. https://1writeway.wordpress.com/2023/01/13/guest-post-the-last-drive-by-john-w-howell-newbook/
When I started blogging, Marie and I followed each other right away. That was in 2012. I guess you could say we have been buds since that time. Marie also created the concept and co-authored the Top Ten Things Not to Do on my blog for over a year in 2013 and 2014. Marie also is a very creative reviewer. I have been pleased to have two books reviewed by her. Here is a link to other reviews.https://1writeway.wordpress.com/book-reviews/
More about Marie in her words
I am a writer living in the southeastern United States with three cats, more yarn than I can knit up in a lifetime, and a dear husband who doubles as my best friend.
My writing career started in the fourth grade when I was asked to read aloud a story I wrote. Since then, I’ve taken creative writing classes whenever possible, joined writing groups and literary guilds, and participated in readings. Still, in spite of the support I received from mentors and fellow writers, lack of self-confidence made it easy for me to give up on writing. Once I got a “real” job (in an office with a biweekly paycheck and benefits), it was hard to argue with anyone that I should or could expect to do better by writing.
I’ve made a lot of detours in the past thirty years, trying to become a Professional whatever (social worker, data analyst), trying to believe in careers and working in offices and 401k’s. But now that I’m retired, I’ve woken up to the fact that those things–career, working in an office, going to meetings, conferences–has little value for me. My writing has picked up, as have my publications.
In my ideal world, I’m always dressed for yoga, writing until I’m empty of words, knitting down my stash, reading up my leaning tower of to-be-read books, and cuddling with my husband and kitties.
Marie also has her work published. You can access it HERE.
Thank you so much for helping spread the word, Marie.
Comments have been closed so your thoughts can be pure at Marie’s place.
It is always a pleasure to be with Denise, and I’m delighted to be on her post talking about my latest book, The Last Drive. HERE is a link to her post.
I have been following Denise’s blog and writing career since 2014
D. L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 she relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to Nevada City, in the Sierra foothills. She immersed herself in reading all types of books but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations include children’s books, adult fiction, a unique autobiography, and poetry. She continues on her adventure with an open invitation to all readers to join her.
Denise writes fiction, Children’s stories, and poetry. Her books and stories delight and sometimes raise the hair. In all, though, they are well-written and always enjoyable. You can check them out at her Amazon site.
Thank you so much for hosting me, Denise.
I have turned off comments so that your words on Denise’s post will be original.
I am so glad to be featured on Beem Week’s site. He has graciously allowed me to visit and talk about my new release, The Last Drive. HERE is the link to his post.
Beem and I have been acquainted for a few years now. I think we first met in 2015 when we were part of another writer’s club. Since that time, Beem has published some excellent books and is also involved in the creative side of helping authors reach their potential. His books continually garner four and five stars, and I have found them to be very entertaining. He has six titles, and you can see them on Amazon.
Beem is also a blogger, blog talk radio host, and video/audio producer for Fresh Ink Group, as well as a fellow member of Story Empire.
Thank you, Beem, for hosting me today. I appreciate your help.
I have turned off the comments so that your originality can be saved for the visit to Beem’s post.
I’m very pleased to be with Craig Boyack today. He is helping spread the word about The Last Drive launch. Here is the link to his post. https://coldhandboyack.wordpress.com/2023/01/10/guest-post-the-last-drive-by-john-w-howell-newbook/
I first met Craig when we were members of a writer’s club years ago. My tubby Kindle finally handed me one of his stories, and I have been hooked ever since. Craig has an uncanny ability to develop characters you can’t help loving. Among some regular folks, there are root monsters and hats that talk. This is on top of the warriors and mermaids, of which there are plenty.
He also world builds like he has an in with the gods on Mount Olympus. He puts the reader on ships that go to unimaginable places and, on the other hand, puts us on a yak. All of his books are highly creative and enjoyable. You should check out Craig’s Amazon Page if you haven’t read one. There you will find his stories. You can pick any one of them since they are all entertaining.
Thank you, Craig, for helping me introduce The Last Drive
Comments are closed, so you can use precious words wisely at Craig’s place.
Today I am so happy that Harmony Kent is helping to spread the word on The Last Drive. Here is the link to her post https://harmonykent.co.uk/newbook-the-last-drive-by-john-howell-howellwave-paranormalfiction-mysterythriller/
I have known Harmony for almost ten years. She is a multi-genre indie author with a wicked sense of humor. She also has a passion for writing that is manifest in books, novelettes, short stories, and poetry. In each case, Harmony executes her work precisely, and you can count on having your emotions tweaked by her words.
You can view all of Harmony’s publications on her website or go to her Amazon pages.
Thank you so much for helping spread the word, Harmony.
I have closed comments here to conserve your words for use on Harmony’s site.
Prior to New Year’s Eve we had a two day freeze here in the neighborhood. I went out and captured some of the sights. Our tour today is to see how some of the residents tried to protect their plants. We are being catered by Koriente of Austin. Our entertainment is Little Big Town.
Menu
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Koriente Curry (A): $9.5 Gourmet vegetarian curry. Lighter and milder than the version you may know, with carrots, onions, potatoes, and button mushrooms on a bed of steamed rice. |
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Koriente Curry (B): Our vegetarian curry with rice medallions on a bed or organic baby greens. Pictured with the chicken addition. |
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Garden Handroll: Avocado, cucumber, Korean radish, red cabbage, red bell pepper, and carrots. Wrap in dried seaweed paper and dip in soy wasabi sauce or balsamico. Add toppings like smoked salmon or Oyster/Shiitake mushrooms. |
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Japchei: A warm bowl of clear sweet potato noodles and an assortment of veggies: carrots, green cabbage, red bell peppers, and organic spring greens. Choose protein options from above and enjoy. |
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Obake Bowl (A): Your choice of pork, chicken, pan-seared tofu, or shrimp sauteed with button mushrooms, broccoli, and carrots. Served with steamed rice. |
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Obake Bowl (B): The Obake Bowl with rice medallions in place of rice and garnished with a handful of fresh baby greens. |
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Mixmix Bibimbap: Steamed rice in a ring of fresh julienned veggies: carrots, cucumbers, cabbage, red cabbage, red bell peppers, and organic baby greens. Served with your choice of red pepper paste or mild wasabi soy sauce. Choose protein options from above and enjoy. |
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Rice Medallion Saute: Sauteed green cabbage, mushrooms, and rice cakes served on a bed of fresh spring greens and julienned green cabbage and topped off with a pile of sweet potato noodles. |
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Shiitake Tofu: a comforting vegan dish that’s a savory blend of tofu, shiitake & button mushrooms in a miso-soy sauce served over a bed of spring greens, green cabbage, and a side of rice. |
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Spicy Chicken: bite-sized cuts of tender chicken in a delicious spicy marinade served with rice and steamed broccoli, and carrots. |
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Teriyaki Chicken: Tender boneless chicken marinated in homemade teriyaki sauce served with rice and your choice of steamed broccoli & carrots. |
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Pan-Seared Ahi Tuna: pan-seared ahi tuna dusted with sea salt, black pepper, and sesame seeds. served on a bed of spring greens and red bell peppers with a side of steamed rice and soy-wasabi dipping sauce. order rare/medium/well done. great with a side of avocado! |
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Miso Honey Glazed Mahi Mahi: thick cuts of Mahi Mahi, perfectly sautéed in a miso-honey glaze, dusted with black pepper and ginger and served with spring greens, broccoli and a side of rice, and red onion relish. |
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Lemon Pepper Papaya Salad: a Thai-inspired green papaya salad on a bed of spring greens and carrots, with red onion relish and crushed serrano chili paste, topped with toasted garlic. Served with a side of rice. Squeeze a lemon on top and enjoy! |
Jump on and let’s go.
At our first stop it looks like all the beach towels have been pressed into service.
Then there are clear plastic bags and black tarp.
All the king sized linen will need a wash.
Shades of co-ordinated green and blue.
Looks like tent city.
Home Depot moving boxes put to good use.
The pirate crew loves the green plastic.
Monster mash anyone?
Maybe a different plant selection would be in order.
Solid green.
Buckets weighed down with rocks and sheets.
The old stand by. 1000 thread count Egyption cotton
Well that’s the tour. I hope you enjoyed it. Sit back and relax with the food and music.
Please be aware this post is about a serious subject.
Hello, friends of Lucy and Twiggy. We have all enjoyed the adventures of these two, and in some ways, we have become family interacting with their experiences. It is fitting for you to know that Lucy has been diagnosed with inoperable cancer. There is nothing that can be done but to keep her comfortable. She is on medication that keeps her pain-free and eating and drinking normally. It is a matter of time, now unknown, before we will have to let her go. We feel that to have Lucy disappear and then explain after the fact would not be faithful to the time you have invested in her stories. Although this information is hard to communicate, I think we owe you transparency regarding her condition. The stories will continue for as long as possible, and we won’t be mentioning cancer again. Lucy is talking to Twiggy.
“So what did the doctor say?”
“She said I have inoperable cancer, Little One.”
“What does inoperable mean?”
“Well, it means they can’t fix it.”
“If they can’t fix it, what’s going to happen?”
“It means I’m going to be taking a trip.”
“Trip? What kind of trip?”
“I’m going to go and find Bailey over the Rainbow Bridge.”
“I don’t think I understand. When will you be back?”
“Well, Little One, I won’t be back if I find Bailey.”
“Won’t be back? I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“It is the way life is, though. There is a circle that we all move in.”
“If it’s a circle, can I go with you?”
“No, that’s not how it works. You have a full life ahead of you. Besides, mom and dad will need your help.”
“Please let me go with you, Lucy.”
“Twiggy. You have your job to do here. Don’t worry when it is your time. I’ll be waiting for you.”
“Promise?”
“You have my promise, Little One. Now let’s get mom to give us a treat.”
“I love you, Lucy.”
“I love you, Little One.”
