Wednesday Story Day – AKA Hump Day

July 13, 2016July 10, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 22 Comments

Sad Cat

It’s Wednesday Story Time again. Last week we left Father Lightfoot (Raymond) and Ben discussing Ben’s need to get cozy with Trudy Worthe. As gaggy as that sounds, we have to go back and see if there is any part of this suggestion that Ben will take.
“Mrs. Worthe can you come in here?”
“Yes, Ben. What is it?”
“I’ve been thinking.”
“A new hobby for you, Ben. What have you been thinking about?”
“I think we ought to go on a picnic or something.”
“Ben? Are you feeling okay? Let me feel your head.”
“I’m okay. Mmm, your hand is so cool.”
“Ben, are you running a fever?”
“No. It’s just your hand is so soft and fresh. It feels just right on my forehead.”
“How about your neck? Ben? How does this feel?”
“I know I haven’t treated you very well Trudy. I’m sorry for the choking episode.”
“Aw, Ben. If I didn’t know you better, I would say you’re coming on to me.”
“You have to admit Trudy you are a handsome woman.”
“My goodness, Ben. You’ll make me blush with any more kind words.”
“I mean it Mrs. W- I mean Trudy. I have always thought you were attractive, and now that you have touched me I think I’m a little smitten.”
“Okay, Ben. What did Lightfoot tell you to do?”
“Nothing Trudy. I just think your touch has gone to my heart. When did you ever touch me before? With gentleness I mean.”
“Alright, Ben you got me there. I also felt something when I touched you.”
“You did? What did you feel?”
“Like you were a little boy and needed care.”
“Really? Well that’s a start isn’t it?”
“Are you forgetting Alexis. My daughter who is your age and twenty years younger than me.”
“Age is relative Trudy. Yes, I have thought of Alexis and think she is way too young for me. I need someone with the experience in life to understand what I’m doing.”
“You also need the money that comes with that as well.”
“Aw, Trudy. Get over here. Let me give you a hug and you’ll see what I mean.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue by Keith Channing

July 12, 2016July 11, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 30 Comments

This week’s photo prompt (below) from Keith Channing in his own words. “Using this photo as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here – for reasons I have yet to fathom, pingbacks don’t seem to be working.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”

The photo.

Kreative Kue #85

Work by John W. Howell

“You could give me a hand you know.”

“Well, that’s just it. Sucking is not in my classification.”

“Wait? What do you mean not in your classification.”

“Just what I said, man. I’m a certified holder. There is nothing in my job classification that says I need to do anything but hold.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me. We’ve been working together for five years, and you never said anything about a job classification.”

“I just found out.”

“Huh? Wadda you mean?”

“I was with Jerry the union steward on another job, and he told I couldn’t suck enough.”

“You sure he was talking about a job classification and not the quality of your work?”

“Why that no good so and so was talking about the quality of my work.”

“Ah. Well, you don’t have to listen to him. Come give me a hand.”

“I’d love to, but I now feel unqualified.”

Oh, come on. You can suck with the best of them.”

“You say the nicest things. Thanks.”

#RRBC Spotlight Author Micki Peluso

July 12, 2016July 8, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 72 Comments

I am pleased to welcome Micki Peluso to Fiction Favorites. Micki has received Rave Reviews Book Club’s Spotlight Author honor and will be on tour this week .

Spotlight Author

The Rewards of Writing . . . And the Whippoorwill Sang

While writing this book was something I had sworn to do as a deathbed promise to the one I lost, it was both blessing and bane. There were times when I laughed and times when I cried—just like my readers. Many supernatural events happened as I finished the book, just as they did throughout parts of the story. A whippoorwill, not indigenous to where I live now, sat in the bushes near my deck and sang his sad three syllable song as I wrote the hardest part of the book. Upon typing ‘The End,’ the elusive bird disappeared only to return in pure sight the day I had my first book signing. The whippoorwill sat upon the top of the small flagpole in front of my house and looked at me. The bird allowed me to get within six inches in front of it and we just stared at each other. As I reached out to touch it, off it flew, never to be seen again.

Parts of this true story seemed written by someone other than me. How could I have remembered dialogue from several decades ago? Yet I sensed it was accurate. While I was happy and relieved to finally complete it, that was also painful. I’d brought my daughter back while writing of her funny, wonderful life and in ending the book, I lost her; yet again.

Now that I am marketing the book, I’ve been blessed with remarkable happenings. I knew the book would both entertain and move many people, but I had no idea to what extent. I have been pleased and amazed by the amount of letters, e-mails, and phone calls I get from readers. This book has been able to ease some of their own pain, promise them hope, and comfort them in their trials. I never saw that coming and it continues to astound and humble me.

Young boys, aged fifteen and up, to older men at eighty-two are reading the book and finding something in it for them. I had imagined my audience would be strictly women with children, but that has not been the case. Teachers and librarians from her High School write me with their own remembrances of her, as well as her classmates and friends. Many, after reading the book go to her gravesite and leave flowers. Some of them e-mail me with stories and experiences with Noelle that I never knew, and for that I am grateful. Again, I am overcome by these things. Some, having known her long ago, are torn between wanting to read the book and afraid to trust their emotions.

What was started as a promise has become a fulfillment far beyond my wildest expectations. I could ask nothing greater than to have this book make a difference in the lives of those who read it. Knowing that some who read this book may become more aware of the dangers of drinking and driving, and more importantly, realize that life is made up of choices—choices which dictate life and death—inspires me to want to write more books. Having teenagers read the book is another blessing, as they realize that teenagers from 1959 to the present are basically the same. I pray that they will, with help from this book, stop and take responsibility for the both their safety and the lives of others. Will I ever attain closure? Probably not, but then do I really want it? As proud and humbled as I am from the reaction to . . . And the Whippoorwill Sang, I believe that somewhere in another realm, Noelle is smiling.

Whippoorwill

The elusive whippoorwill swoops down the mountains. Through night into dawn its song mourns summer’s loss–as I cry mine.

AND THE WHIPPOORWILL SANG, a 300 page memoir, opens with eloping teenagers, Micki and Butch, in a bizarre double wedding ceremony with Micki’s mother. The couple share comical escapades, spanning decades. A terrible accident occurs in a placid valley nestled in the Susquehanna Mountains. Micki narrates happier days while confronting an uncertain future. One of her six children is fighting for life in the hospital. The family embarks upon its unbearable journey to the other side of sorrow …

Bio

Micki Peluso began writing after a personal tragedy, which lead to publication in Victimology: An International Magazine and a 25 year career in Journalism. She’s been staff writer for one major newspaper and freelanced for two more. Twelve of her award-winning short fiction and slice of life stories are published in anthologies, magazines and e-zines. Her debut book was published in 2012; a funny family memoir of love, loss and survival, called, . . .AND THE WHIPPOORWILL SANG which won the Nesta CBC Silver Award for writing that builds character. She is presently working on a collection of short fiction, slice of life stories and essays, in a book called, DON’T PLUCK THE DUCK. Her debut children’s book, ‘The Cat Who Wanted a Dog’ will be released in June, 2016.

To learn more about Micki Peluso, or to purchase her book, …AND THE WHIPPOORWILL SANG,

please visit:

Twitter: @mickipeluso

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndTheWhippoorwillSang

Website: http://www.mallie1025.blogspot.com/

Email: mallie1025@aol.com

Top Ten Things Not to Do at an Organic Supermarket

July 11, 2016July 10, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 34 Comments

Organic Food Store

The inspiration for this list is many visits to organic chain supermarkets. I’m usually there because I like a brand of wine that the chain carries. Of course, living on an island means when I drive the 360 miles round trip, I want to linger and observe other activities. I hope you like the list.

10 If you are shopping at an organic supermarket, do not secretly pop samples into your mouth from the bulk food section. If you do, at best you may ingest a foreign object. At worst, you will be caught and weighed before being charged the $10.00 a pound going rate.(Had to wonder what that walk on scale was for, huh Bo-Bo?)

9 If you are shopping at an organic supermarket, do not block the aisles as you study each purchase looking for evidence of an ingredient to which you are allergic. If you do, At best your cart will be hit as others try to get around. At worst, you might get run over by Tiny the 300 pound WWF champ as he sprints toward the carrot juice section. (Better to joust with a train. Right?)

8 If you are shopping at an organic supermarket, do not ask the butcher if the organic pork is grass-fed. If you do, at best he will laugh you out of the store. At worst, he will convince you to go home and read up on the dietary habits of pigs. (At least tofu is on the list of things pigs will eat. Of course, there is nothing pigs won’t eat.)

7 If you are shopping at an organic supermarket, do not ask the clerk if the organic bottled water is gluten-free. If you do at best, the clerk will be confused. At worst, you might cause a very delicate personality to crack completely. ( Can you imagine what would have happened if you asked for help finding something.)

6 If you are shopping at an organic supermarket, do not forget to bring your own bags. If you do, at best you will have to balance your purchases and hope to make the car before the peanut butter hits the parking lot surface. At worst, you will be charged for more bags which you’ll never need again. (Asking for a plastic bag was a big mistake)

5 If you are shopping at an organic supermarket, do not show visible signs of your pending heart attack when you see the total bill. If you do, at best you will make the clerk’s day. At worst, those around you will want your hide for exposing the fact that to eat this way is very expensive. (Yeah they knew it, but don’t need reminders)

4 If you are shopping at an organic supermarket, do not ask the clerk if there are cruelty-free grapes in the wine. If you do, at best the clerk will call the manager for an answer. At worst the manager has just turned in his gross receipts and is now on probation for slipping sales. (The manager’s sense of humor is at an all time low and used to be a postal worker till released for anger management issues)

3 If you are shopping at an organic supermarket, do not ask the beauty aids clerk which essential oil they would recommend to attract more dates. If you do, at best the clerk will think you totally perverted. At worst, the clerk will take the opportunity to test the company’s non-hostile work environment policy with a request of the boss to toss you out of the store. (Wow! Talk about overused political correctness)

2 If you are shopping at an organic supermarket, do not buy hemp products with the belief that you can use then to get high. If you do, at best you will waste your money. At worse, you will feel pretty foolish waiting in the shower for the hemp soap to kick in. (Meanwhile, the water temperature is moving toward Antarctic)

1 If you are shopping at an organic supermarket, do not ask the carryout person any questions about attire, body art, or hairstyle. If you do, at best they will ignore you. At worst, they will start the long story about personal freedoms and what it means to be able to be who they are. (That organic ice cream dripping on the pavement cost $10.00. Might be time to move on)

Views of the Neighborhood

July 10, 2016July 9, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 43 Comments

It looks like all the tourists have gone. If you check out my Thursday post, you saw the early morning saving of space. I did not have pictures of the crowds since quite frankly I stayed away from the beach all day. So yesterday’s walk produced what I would call the aftermath.

First, let’s look at the beach.

Beach shot

As you can see it is pretty clear of people and things. There is a slight haze, and the weather person attributes it to Sahara dust.

This next photo I have titled “Burial Ground.” Here is where the frames of dead pop-ups eventually wind up.

Burial ground

“The Sentinel,” is the title of his photo. This is a photo of an abandoned pop-up still standing guard waiting for its family to return.

The Sentinal

I know. Sad right?

The next shot is of the ARK (Animal Rehabilitation Keep) search vehicle.

ARK search

These volunteers search the beach every day for turtle eggs. Turtles no longer can simply lay their eggs and hope for the babies to survive. With so much human traffic the eggs can be broken very easily. The volunteers look for signs that a mother turtle has laid eggs and then they will dig up the nest and put the eggs safely away to hatch. The hatchlings are then released when they are old enough.

This last photo speaks volumes about former owners.

Pop Ups

That black thing on the right is a tire. That’s what I do when I no longer need a tire. I go out on the beach and drop it off. Don’t you?????

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Concentration”

July 9, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 20 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this week’s prompt is “concentration.” If you would like to join in go to Linda Hill’s place and read all about it. Here is the link https://lindaghill.com/2016/07/08/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-916/

“You hear that?”

“W-what?”

“That noise.”

“No. I am busy trying to figure this thing out.”

“I don’t mean to break your concentration, but I think we have a problem.”

“No kidding. That’s why I can’t think about some random noise.”

“Yeah well, the noise sounds like something’s been torn off.”

“Let me do a little more of, as you say, concentration and maybe we can do something about it.”

“Well, I would hurry if I were you.”

“I hear you. How much time to we have?”

“The ground is coming up pretty quick.”

“Might need a prayer.”

“Already done. Been a pleasure Steve.”

“Same here Sam.”

Friday JohnKU – AKA TGIF

July 8, 2016July 8, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 44 Comments

TGIF

Another Friday is upon us. Now that I am back in the maw of organized commerce, the day has more significance. I do need some time off. I have been running all week, and as you read this, I will be flying back to Texas from LA. This assignment is such that I’m not sure I will make it home this weekend or not. The pace is pretty brisk and since my role is to develop the strategy for success I have to be involved in all aspects.

If I didn’t want to do it, I would not have said “yes” to the request to be engaged once more. (It is rewarding and a heck of a lot of fun)

This week’s JohnKu talks to doing what you love. I hope you like it.

Life’s Work by John W. Howell

Work produces much,

Important food on the list…

Love has to be part.

Thursday – A Little Personal

July 7, 2016July 4, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 36 Comments

I thought I would give you a view of the early morning hours at the beach on a holiday. The focus will be how people reserve their spots.

This first one made me laugh out loud. I’m sure the grocery cart will be there forever.

Shopping cart

This next one the people dropped a bunch of chairs and put some American flags around. Lotta faith some bohunk in a pickup doesn’t just roll right in.

Beach

Stakes in the ground with a colored rope works too.

Beach

So does a bunch of chairs.

Beach

Maybe a collection of pop-up frames will work well

Beach

For real staying power you need heavy duty hardware and a few cones

Beach

These folks blocked off about a hundred feet of beachfront. guess they felt they deserved the space. Who can argue with them.

Wednesday – Story Day – AKA Hump Day

July 6, 2016July 4, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 23 Comments

College meme

Wednesday Story Day time again. Last week we went through a series of emotions as we witnessed Ben trying to choke the life out of Mrs. Worthe and seeming to enjoy it. It just so happened that Father Lightfoot (Raymond) came by to save Mrs. Worthe, Father Lightfoot then made Ben and Mrs worth shake hands. Most readers thought this was very strange behavior on the part of Father Lightfoot. I believe we need to get back there to see if the Father has lost his marbles or what?
“Father Lightfoot you surprised me.”
“Ben, Ben, Ben. What were you trying to do to Trudy?”
“Well, I wanted to kill her. I think I would have had you not come by.”
“And that would have solved what Ben?”
“I know. Nothing.”
“That’s right. Nothing, and then you would go to prison and I would be without any evidence of the Worthe’s crimes.”
“I’m sorry Father. I wasn’t thinking of your case.”
“I know son. It’s okay. Tell me have you found out anything?”
“Anything? I just got here. I haven’t been privy to any information.”
“I know it hasn’t been long, but I thought you would have heard something.’
“No. Not yet I haven’t.”
“Well, we are getting intel that Trudy and her husband have been moving money off-shore.”
“ Now, How would I ever get wind of something like that. Especially holed up in this room.”
“I think you’re going to need to make an effort to get closer to Trudy.”
“What do you mean closer?“
“I believe she likes you deep down. I think you could make nice with her. You know, take her to lunch or shopping or something.”
“You must be kidding. She hates me.”
“I don’t think so. Anyway what do you have to lose?”
“I tried to kill her. She isn’t going to come near me.”
“I’m saying you have to make the first move. Who knows maybe it will be fun.”
“Sure. I can see me having fun with Trudy Wolfe. Also there’s Alexis. What is she going to think?”
“Ben. Take Alexis with you. She will make a great beard.”
“Beard? What are you talking about?”
“Never mind. Just know that you have the power to get info but you’ll have to try. That’s all I’m saying. Just try. I have to go. Remember, just try.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Creative Kue #84 by Keith Channing

July 5, 2016July 4, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 27 Comments

Since I love prompts I have been running Keith Channing’s Kreative Kue for over a year. Here is how he describes the process in his words. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here – for reasons I have yet to fathom, pingbacks don’t seem to be working.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”

Here is the photo.

Kreative Kue #84

“Okay, you men. I’m going to have to ask you to stop right there.”

“Huh. You talking to us lady?”

“Yes. I’m talking to you. What are you doing here?”

“Not that it’s any of your business we are on maneuvers.”

“Maneuvers? What kind of maneuvers?”

“You’re kidding, right? You don’t recognize these uniforms?”

“You could be a gang of escaped convicts for all I know.”

“Oh come on. We are with the army.”

“Whose army.”

“For heaven’s sake our army.”

“I don[t know about you but the term ‘our army’ doesn’t tell me much. You are on private land. You know that don’t you?”

“Well, ma’am we don’t have much time to sit here discussing the fine points of property ownership. We need to proceed down this road now.”

“Not going to happen.”

“W-what? Who’s going to stop us?”

“Just us.”

“You and those two mutts?”

“Did you hear what he called you Trevor and Eos. The man has no manners. In answer to your question sir. Yes. Trevor, Eos and I will not let you pass.”

“Okay, ma’am have it your way. ATTENTION TROOP. WE WILL PROCEED DOWN THIS ROAD. IF ANY CIVILIANS GET IN THE WAY, ARREST THEM INCLUDING ANY OF THEIR PETS.”

“You need to keep your voice down. My husband is taking a nap.”

“For the last time. I am ordering you to let us pass.”

“I don’t report to you, so your order means nothing to me.”

“You are putting me in an awkward position. Do you know that ma’am?”

“This road leads right by our house. You and your noisy men will wake my husband, and he needs his rest. He’s a writer and works very hard.”

“What if we are quiet?”

“How is that possible?”

“We have a stealth mode. Please?”

“Well, now that you have asked nicely I see no reason not to let you go down the road now.”

“I’ll pass the word for stealth.”

“Have a nice day. By the way what planet are you from?”

“Earth ma’am.”