#NewRelease – Mountain Laurel Christmas #ShortStory #ChristmasStory @JanSikes3

December 8, 2021December 7, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

I want to welcome Jan Sikes to Fiction Favorites. She has a new book and is here to describe it to you. Jan and I have been friends for a long time and also are colleagues on Story Empire so it is a pleasure to have her here today. Also, I have read this book and found it to be a delightfully heartwarming story that is perfect for the holidays. Jan is a very talented author so without any delay here is Jan to tell us about Mountain Laurel Christmas.

A child who is born ‘different’ faces many challenges. My story is set in the 1960s and ‘70s and during that time, differences were not celebrated as they are currently.

My character’s little brother, Timmy, was born that way. His brain never developed normally.

Here’s an excerpt:

Timmy had been born different. They said his brain never developed the way it should. He’d sit for hours, fascinated with the dust that danced on the sunbeams through the windows, lost in his own little world. Oh, how Papa doted on him. From the time Timmy could wrap his fingers around the neck of a fiddle, he’d spent hours patiently teaching him to play.

***

Timmy developed an uncanny talent, which is often the case. But in the Cumberland Mountains in the 60s, local authorities decided Timmy needed to be placed in an institution that could provide for his special needs.

Here’s an excerpt from my character’s POV:

Not long after we lost Papa, the local welfare lady came. I hid under the porch and listened.

“Mrs. Anderson, we’re sorry for the loss of your husband, but it has come to our attention that your young son, Timmy, may need to be placed in an institution where he can get the specialized help he needs.”

The welfare lady droned on and on.

From my hiding place, I didn’t need to see Mama’s face to know she gave the lady a blank stare. That’s all she’d managed to give any of us for months.

By the time the welfare lady had driven her ’49 Ford down the dirt road that had brought her to our shack, I knew she’d be back to get Timmy. I crawled out from under the porch and kicked at the dust that settled under my feet.

A pivotal point in this story focuses on Timmy and I don’t want to leave any spoilers. so I’ll stop here.

The movie, “Rainman” comes to mind. Another movie was “Mercury Rising” where an autistic little boy could decipher complicated computer code in his head in an instant.

Can you think of any other instances where the uncanny abilities of a mentally challenged person is spotlighted?

Mountain Laurel Christmas Blurb:

Orphaned, his family torn apart by tragedy, Cole Knight has come a long way from a ramshackle miner’s cabin on the side of the Cumberland Mountain.

Daring to follow an impossible dream, he’s made it big in the music business. Now, he’s a country music sensation with a huge house, fancy cars, plenty of willing women, money, and adoring fans. He should be on top of the world. Instead, he’s drowning in a swirling pool of self-contempt and relentless guilt.

It’s easier to lose himself in a bottle than face the hard truth…he hasn’t delivered on a promise he made to his father.

It’s almost Christmas, and the sting of failure drives him back to that tiny cabin in the mountains. But has he waited too late to put the shattered pieces back together—to find himself and restore a lost family?

My Five Star Review

This novella is perfect for the Christmas season. It has all the elements that come together to give the reader a heart-warming experience. Cole Kight is a big country music star who came from humble beginnings. His dad died in the mine, and his mother was too broken-hearted to take care of the family. Cole always felt he should have been able to prevent the eventual break-up of the family. But, now alone, he can’t fill the void in his heart that the guilt of letting his family down has created. The authorities take his brother and sister away, and he doesn’t know where they are. If that isn’t enough to make a reader wonder if the story has a happy ending? I don’t know what it is.

More story courts spoilers, so let me leave it at this. This book will bring a smile to your face and make you glad you read it. Jan Sikes is a very talented writer, and this is one of her best short stories.

PURCHASE LINK:

https://www.amazon.com/Mountain-Laurel-Christmas-Jan-Sikes-ebook/dp/B09KJYMVT9/

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 338 by Keith Channing

December 7, 2021December 6, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

“Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before 6pm on 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.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next time.”

The photo

“Excuse me, you, there.”

“Who there?”

“You at 38,000 feet on a 270 heading.”

“Yeah, what do you want?”

“This airspace is mine.”

“Says who?”

“Air traffic control.”

“No way. They told me this is my space.”

“I’m right behind you, and had I been asleep, I would have run up your pipes.”

“Well, you can back off and go find another space.”

“Not going to happen.”

“Why?”

“When someone tells me this is mine, I’m not going to give it up to some trespasser.”

“Oh yeah. I’m calling ATC right now.”

“What frequency?”

“Why?”

“I want to be there, so you don’t fudge the truth like you always do.”

“Is this Jimmy?”

“Yes, Bobby, it is.”

“What the hell. Just because we are twins doesn’t give you the right to follow me wherever I go. The frequency is 122.25.

“Just make the call. I’ll be there.”

“Control Delta 1776.”

“Go ahead 1776.”

“Hey, hold on. I’m Delta 1776.”

“Keep quiet, Jimmy. Sorry about that Control. Requesting assigned altitude.”

“Roger Delta 1776, you are assigned 38,000 feet.”

“Thank you, Control. 1776 out. Did you hear that, Jimmy?”

“We got a problem.”

“What is it?”

“You and I are both flying Delta 1776 but in different airplanes.”

“No, you have made a mistake. I am 1776. You are something else.”

“Why didn’t the Controller say something about two planes?”

“Hmmm. That’s a good question. Of course, since we are IFR, he would have reported you being so close.”

“I think we have finally gone our own directions.”

“What do you mean?”

“Different but parallel planes of existence. Let me call Control. Control Delta 1776.”

“Go ahead 1776.”

“Could you verify my assigned altitude, and are there any planes in my vicinity?”

“Roger 1776. Your assigned altitude is 38,000 feet. You have one flight ten miles to your stern at 36,000 feet.”

“Thank you, Control. See what did I tell you? We both have this altitude but in different times or spaces.”

“How come we can talk then?”

“I don’t know. I wonder if someone put something in my coffee?”

“Don’t be silly. How can we explain this situation?”

“Remember when we were kids, and we would take each other’s places to fool the adult?”

“Yes.”

“I think this is payback.”

“I don’t like it.”

“I guess now we can feel what those folks felt.”

“Well, okay if that’s all it is. Excuse me, I have to prepare for a landing.”

“Yeah, me too.”

“Where you going?”

“SFO.”

“I’ll see you there.”

“Let’s hope so.”

Top Ten Things You Never Should Have Asked Your Mother

December 6, 2021December 5, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 91 Comments

This post was originally run on December 14th, 2014. I think the advice is still good and I hope you enjoy it.

* * *

The inspiration for this list was a discussion between The Producer and me about how kids can light the parental upset fuse by a simple question. We both have asked some and have been asked some.

Top Ten Things You Never Should Have Asked Your Mother

10 You should never have asked your mother, “What meatloaf again?” If you did, at best, you got a cold stare and shoulder. At worst, you were invited to partake of food at the neighbor’s house. (The look told you she meant it but also, you better not.)

9 You should never have asked your mother on her birthday, “How old are you now?” If you did, at best, you got a lecture on poor manners. At worst, you were witness to flying cake and a bedroom door slam that you still see in your nightmares. (The heat from the flaming candles should have been a clue to clam up)

8 You should never have asked your mother once your dad told you no. “Dad says to come and ask you for the car keys.” If you did, at best, you’ll get a response that confirms your dad’s opinion. At worst, you will have been solely responsible for the resultant three months of additional chores once the parental units caught up to your scheme. ( Good luck on ever seeing those keys)

7 You should never have asked your mother, “Don’t you think that dress is a little out of style.” If you did, at best, your mother will go change but not talk to you for the rest of the day. At worst, you will be subjected to a long lecture about all the things your mother gave up so that you could have the most up-to-date clothing. (She is probably right, you ungrateful dependent you)

6 You should never have asked your mother, “Can you and dad leave while my friends come over?” If you did, at best, you will get a firm “No” in response. At worst, you will be delighted to have your parents sitting in the same room where you and your friends are gathering. (Your worst nightmare has come true)

5 You should never have called your mother on April Fools Day asking, “Come bail me out of jail?” If you did, at best, a cold cloth applied by dad worked to revive her. At worst, the joke will have backfired to the point where your mom still thinks there was something behind it. (Not lovely to play high stakes jokes on your worried mom)

4 You should never have asked your mother to bake cupcakes for the soccer team the night before the event. If you did, at best, the cupcakes were made, but you owed your mom big time. At worst, the cakes were made, but you were so tired from helping you had the worst game ever. (Notice the cakes got made in each case?)

3 You should never have asked your mother to give you lunch money instead of packing a lunch since all the cool kids buy their lunch. If you did, at best, you got the money but also a discussion about proper nutrition and peer pressure. At worst, you didn’t get the money and now find your lunch consists of every food you can’t stand, including many fruits. (Mom’s way of telling you to quit trying to be part of the in-crowd.)

2 You should have never asked your mother to tell a fib about where you were when your stood-up date called to talk to you. If you did, at best, your mother simply hands the phone to you. At worst, your mother tells your date that you are not interested in talking. (The truth will ice that relationship. Won’t it?)

1 You should have never asked your mother to babysit your kids. If you did, at best, all had an excellent time. At worst, your mother doesn’t want to return them to you. ( A considerable risk for sure.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Holiday Market Place

December 5, 2021December 5, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 91 Comments

Since this is the gift-giving season, I thought it would be fun to go shopping. The Emmaus Catholic Church here in Lakeway is having a market sale. To keep up our strength, we will be catered by Biscuits and Groovy in Austin. Our entertainment is ABBA. (Yes, we have a big music budget)

THREE BISCUIT DISHES
Made with three freshly baked buttermilk biscuits.

Biscuits + Groovy
Biscuits, gravy, sausage, pepper, chives
The Village
Biscuits, gravy, sausage, jalapenos, colby jack, pepper, chives
The Aretha
Biscuits, gravy, sausage, bacon, colby jack, pepper, chives
The Donna
Biscuits, gravy, three scrambled eggs, sausage, colby jack, pepper, chives
The Johnny
Biscuits, gravy, sausage, bacon, potatoes, colby jack, pepper, chives
The Gloria
Biscuits, gravy, three scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, jalapenos, colby jack, pepper, chives
ONE BISCUIT DISHES
The M.C. Hammer
One freshly baked buttermilk biscuit served open faced with two scrambled eggs on one side and your choice of maple bacon or sausage on the other. Topped with colby jack cheese and chives. Gravy upon request.
The Bee Gee
One freshly baked buttermilk biscuit with butter and jam (strawberry, grape, or the jam of the day)

Let’s go.

There’s the signpost up ahead

Checkout the room.

NIce displays.

Now we are talking. Santa stuff.

A portrait of your pet.

Lots of sparkles.

Bags.

Boots and leather.

Knit and crochet.

Stuffed animals.

I loved the name ‘Second Wind.’ Soaps and stuff.

Hats.

Knights of Columbus nut stand.

Louis Vuitton selections.

Oops. Looks like they are late.

There were some cars outside as well. 1959 TR3.

1972 Cheverlot Caprice convertable

1986 Porsche 951 (Turbocharged 944)

1979 MGB convertable.

I hope you enjoyed the shopping. Now relax and listen to ABBA.I hope you have a great week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Rev

December 4, 2021December 3, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 61 Comments

Trying to concentrate on a paragraph revision of the revision that was just revised, it came to me that my mind was preoccupied with that chest sticking out of the turf in the backyard. Leaving the keyboard, I wandered over to the window just to check and make sure the chest was still there. Reaching in my pocket, I pulled the shiny key and was surprised at how warm it felt. Looking into my palm, the slight glow of the key caused me to drop it.

Picking it back up, it left what could be described as a burn mark on the floor. Making a mental note to figure out how to explain that, I headed to the yard. Approaching the chest caused the key to vibrate, confirming my original suspicion that it and the chest belong together.

Putting the key into the obvious place on the chest caused a spark, much like putting a screwdriver into an electrical outlet. Who does that? You ask. Now you know why my banned activities include electrical work. Anyway, after the spark, turning the key in the lock did not produce any results. After several revolutions, it was clear something else was needed. While scratching my head to figure out the problem, a guy in a blue uniform came up behind me. “Special delivery,” he said. The surprise caused me to jerk the key from the lock. The chest lid popped open. “Sign here,” said the guy. I did, and he handed me an envelope and left.

Wondering who would send me a special delivery letter, I ripped it open. Here is what it said. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “rev.” Use “rev” or find a word that contains it. Have fun!” It was signed “Linda.”

If you would like to have fun visit Linda Hill’s blog and read how. Here is the link. /https://lindaghill.com/2021/12/03/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-dec-4-2021/

“So, what was in the chest?”

“Don’t know.”

“Wait a minute. What do you mean you don’t know?”

“I didn’t look.”

“For heaven’s sake. You are like cliffhanger central.”

“I think you said something like that last week.”

“Well. It’s true. We all sit here listening to your goofy monologues, and then you leave us out on a limb.”

“We only have so much time, and I had to get the prompt in there.”

“Yeah, what’s up with ‘rev’ anyway.”

“Really revs your engine, right?”

“Let’s review why.”

“Okay. I like what you did there.”

“Revolting is more the descriptor.”

“To each his own. You could reverse what you said.”

“Revitalize, you mean?”

“I can imagine your words reverberating in the halls of logic.”

“Huh?”

“You know. Your way to get revenge.”

“I’m lost, as are most of your readers.”

“Revolution is the path to clarity.”

“For me, it might be a revolver.”

“Reveal why?”

“To shoot myself in the face.”

“But that would revoke your pub privileges.”

“Thank goodness we got here. You have to buy.”

“Why?”

“So that I can revert back to a trusting human being.”

“Done.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Good News Fri Yay

December 3, 2021December 2, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 82 Comments

Good News from Mexico. The jaguar population there increased by about 800 animals from 2010 to 2018. This is according to the latest census. The news confirms that Mexico’s national strategy to protect jaguars is working.

The jaguar (Panthera onca) ranges from northern Mexico through Central America, the Amazon Basin, and northern Argentina. Before 2010 ecologists had never properly counted jaguars in Mexico, making it challenging to design a conservation program in the iconic cat’s northernmost ranges. An alliance created by Gerardo Ceballos of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and founder of Mexico’s National Alliance for Jaguar Conservation used the results of the first Mexican jaguar census in 2010 to create a national strategy endorsed by government policy and scientists alike. The latest count is most encouraging for the cat and we humans.

“It was incredible to see jaguars in so many places where there weren’t any before,” said Ceballos. Good news indeed.

Our next good news story is about the marriage of farming with renewable sources.

Jack’s Solar Farm – Photo by Werner Slocum: NREL

Planting crops under solar panel arrays called Agrivoltaics, the plants grow better and need less watering, while the panels produce more electricity. Our good news comes from Jack’s Solar Garden in Boulder, Colorado. There the owner Byron Kominek has successfully planted crops under about 3200 solar panels. In doing so, he can generate enough power to serve 300 homes. In addition, the plants do better since the panels shield the crops from damaging sun, rain, and hail. Also, the shade reduces the need for water by 150%.

It is estimated that if one million acres of US farmland were covered with solar panels and crops planted below, there would be enough power generated to meet the country’s renewable energy goals. Wouldn’t that be something?

Today’s JohnKu talks about signs that nature is responding to conservation efforts. I hope you have a great weekend.

Every day the news,

Has nature information . . .

Good progress reports.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy and Twiggy Back to Nature

December 2, 2021December 2, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 97 Comments

“Where are you going?”

“Just out back here. I want to check the flowers.”

“Sound fun. I want to help.”

“Okay, by me. I was just going to have a sniff.”

“Look in this little pot. What is this?”

“Hmmm. Can’t see from here. I’ll have to come over there.”

“Your eyes okay? You should be able to see from there.”

“Just getting older little one. Ah yes, this is ivy and sage.”

“These roses still smell great.”

“It won’t be long until they stop blooming. But, of course, you would think by December second they would have stopped by now.”

“These thorns are still pretty strong.”

“You better leave those alone. Those are Mama’s pets.”

“I thought we were Mama’s pets.”

“We are but in a different way. Think if someone tried to hurt us. Mama would have a fit.”

“I get it. You see this?”

“What is it?”

“I’m not sure, but it is slow-moving.”

“Don’t touch that thing. It’s a chinch bug. Put that in your mouth, and you’ll foam like a rabid dog.”

“I guess that would drive Mama up the wall.”

“Yes, we don’t need that kind of drama.”

“So what else do we have to check?”

“You know, I think we should see if those lounge chairs still hold our weight.”

“You’re not saying we are fat, are you?”

“No, I’m thinking we are tired, though.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible- Kreative Kue # Kreative Kue # 337 by Keith Channing

November 30, 2021November 29, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 79 Comments

Keith is back, and these are his words. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before 6pm on 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.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next time.”

The photo.

“So it looks like you are off to a good start.”

“Well, thank you, but I need your advice.”

“I assumed you hired me for a reason.”

“Yes, and at three hundred an hour, we should get to it.”

“Right. What seems to be the problem.”

“That wall over there.”

“Yes.”

“I want to go two stories high but am not sure if the foundation will support that weight.”

“What kind of foundation did you pour?”

“Concrete.”

“I’m sure that will support the wall.”

“Shouldn’t we take a look at it?”

“Is that what you want?”

“It seems logical to me.”

“Well, then we should.”

“Excuse me, but you seem to agree with everything I say.”

“What you say has great merit.”

“What if I’m wrong?”

“You will know that too.”

“I hired you to give me feedback on this project.”

“How do you think it is going?”

“Okay, but I need confirmation.”

“I think it is okay too. By the way, do you have the time?”

“Eleven o’clock.”

“That sounds right. Are we finished?”

“Why do I get this feeling your feedback is what you think I want to hear?”

“Consulting is giving the client what the client wants. You don’t have another cup of that coffee, do you?

Top Ten Things Not to Give as a Present This Year

November 29, 2021November 29, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 78 Comments

This list was originally posted on December 7th, 2015. Except for the fact that eighty-plus years have witnessed the holidays, all else seems relevant. I hope you enjoy it.

* * *

This list is inspired by watching seventy-plus Holidays come with mixed results on gifting, both giving and receiving.

Top Ten Things Not to Give as a Present This Year

10 This year, do not give anyone a fruitcake. If you do, at best, it will find its way into the city recycling center. At worst, it will come back to you next year just a little bit harder than when last gifted. (Sure, it looked good in the catalog, didn’t it?

9 This year, do not give anything that has “as seen on TV” printed on the package. If you do, at best, the recipient will know you shopped in the drugstore. At worst, the gadget will be responsible for taking out the recipient’s electrical system. (You didn’t get that recall notice, did you?)

8 This year, do not give Scandinavian cookies in a metal tin. If you do, at best, the made in USA label will give away the lack of an imported gift. At worst, the cookies will taste like overpriced Little Debbie vanilla wafers. (How’s that stuck to the roof of the mouth feeling working out for your recipient?)

7 This year, do not give frozen mail-order steaks. If you do, at best, the steaks will be received by a vegan. At worst, the steaks will arrive in time to sit on the porch between Christmas and New Year while your recipient is skiing in Telluride. (They never said they were going out-of-town, did they?)

6 This year, do not give fruit gifts. If you do, at best, whatever you choose is hated by 75% of the people in the recipient’s household. At worst, the gift you select arrives during the worst snowstorm in one hundred years and won’t show up until spring. (Man, those pears sure didn’t freeze well, did they?)

5 This year, do not give personal grooming devices. If you do, at best, the recipient will wonder your intent. At worst, you may get a call from the recipient’s lawyer talking generalities about severe damage to very personal areas. (The ad said it was perfectly safe, and you believed it, right?)

4 This year, do not give a box of chocolate-covered cherries. If you do, at best, they will cause the recipient to choke on the first and throw the rest away. At worst, the recipient will be so depressed by the lack of thought the entire box will be eaten, and the recipient is admitted to the ER with symptoms of a glucose overdose. (It seemed like a good idea while you were getting your prescription filled. Didn’t it?)

3 This year, do not give a discount coupon for a day spa visit. At best, you will broadcast how cheap you are. At worst, the day spa is running discounts because their service sucks. (Can you say toe fungus without cringing?)

2 This year, do not give anything that is designed to be worn under clothes. If you do, at best, you will raise a question regarding the need. At worst, the size will be all wrong, and it won’t matter if you choose too small or too large the result will be the same. (Did you have a few drinks at that trunk show, or are you just an idiot?)

1 This year, do not give anything you bought on an impulse just to have a gift to give. If you do, at best, you will have difficulty explaining why that particular gift. At worst, you will probably overspend for something that has no thought behind it. (That will be your payback for procrastinating your search for a gift.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Walk for Alzheimer’s Texas

November 28, 2021November 27, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 84 Comments

Today we are going to Lakeway park to check out the walk for Alzheimer’s Texas. We need to get on our walking shoes. After the walk, we will be catered by The Peached Tortilla in Austin. our entertainment is Joe Cocker.

THAI CHOP CHOP SALAD
chopped napa, fried tofu, green apple, fried shallots, thai vinaigrette, rice puffs, peanuts, fresno chiles, watermelon radish, fish sauce caramel, herbs CONTAINS PEANUTS

BRISKET HASH
kimchi miso corn, sweet potatoes, fresnos, onion jam, pasture-raised fried egg
ask your server for our vegetarian option

SHORT RIB BENEDICT korean braised short rib, grilled ciabatta, kochukaru hollandaise
ask your server for our vegetarian option

FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICH asian slaw, japanese pickles, gochu glaze, easy tiger easy bun served with belgian fries

KOREAN STEAK & EGGS BOWL sous vide hanger steak, sunny side up eggs, kimchi, egg furikake, rice

AVOCADO TOAST
miso scallion creme fraiche, alfalfa sprouts, watermelon radish, lemon oil
served with greens tossed in yuzu vinaigrette add soft scrambled pasture-raised eggs

All top shelf beverages, Beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and Tea.

Jump on.