Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

February 26, 2020February 25, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 47 Comments

“Lucy, wake up. It’s Friday.”
“Nice try Little One. It’s Wednesday.”
“A girl can hope.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week Larry in his unsubtle way asked Wentworth directly if he sent thugs to kill and Andrew and him. Needless to say, Wentworth went off-hook and demanded Larry and Andrew leave his office. He even threatened to call, as he said, “The real police.” I see Larry is pretty red in the face, so let’s get back there, we don’t want to miss anything.

“What did you just say?”

“Get out of my office.”

“No after that.”

“I don’t remember.”

“Well. Let my friend here refresh your memory.”

“Larry, I wouldn’t do that.”

“Thank you, Andrew, but I know what I’m doing.”

“Have you met Mr.Glock, Wentworth.”

“I-I don’t know what’s going on. Be careful with that thing.”

“So, let me remind you of what you said since you seem to have forgotten your last insult. You said, “Or else I’ll call the real police.”

“I-I don’t remember.”

“Or choose to forget. Now there are some other things that you need to remember. First, Andrew and I are the real police, and we think you are up to your eyebrows in murder.”

“Y-you are threatening me?”

“What does it look like. You want to take a bite out of Mr. Glock? I can certainly arrange it.”

“F-for God’s sake. W-what do you want?”

“The truth, Wentworth. We want the truth and don’t give me that line about not being able to handle the truth.”

“Truth about what?”

“Let’s start with the conversation Cortez had with Rafferty before he was killed.”

“Cortez will have my ass if I say anything.”

“And guess who will if you don’t. By the way, I’m closer to you right now than Cortez.”

“You won’t dare shoot me. You’ll go to jail.”

“What are you talking about? I walked into your office. You charged at me. I had no choice. Right Andrew?”

“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that, but if so, yes, that’s what happened.”

“So you want to sit down and tell us what you know, or do I start with your left kneecap.”

“My God, you are insane.”

“No, just pissed off. I have been running around chasing shadows for long enough. We have two Boston citizens dead and a whole lot of lying sons bitches laughing up their sleeve. Now we are tired of it all and want to get back home. You going to talk or not.”

“Okay, okay. Let me sit here at my desk. You guys take a chair. Can I get a drink out of my desk drawer? “

“Slow and easy, Sanford.”

“Look out Larry he’s got a gun.”

“Aw shit, Wentworth. Why’d you go and do that? Drop it.”

“Go to hell, Detective.”

*The compression of the sound of a shot rings in their ears

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #251 by Keith Kreates

February 25, 2020February 24, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 58 Comments

In Keith’s 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 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.

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

The photo

Kreative Kue #251

“Well, folks. I have given the car a complete check over. I have some good news and some bad news.”

“Doesn’t surprise me there is bad news. That POC has been giving me fits for two years.”

“Now, darling. Let’s not be negative. Let’s hear what the nice man has to say.”

“Okay nice man. Give us the bad news first.”

“You sure you wouldn’t rather have the good news?”

“No, I’m a realist and need to deal with the downside of each issue foremost.”

“Very well, sir. The bad news is I don’t think your car is ever going to run again.”

“What do you mean? I just had the thing completely overhauled before we started on this ill-advised adventure.”

“Now, dear. We shouldn’t bother this nice mechanic with some of our petty feelings about this trip.”

“Not bother him. What about me. I said driving that heap would be a mistake. And who’s idea was it to take a trip to visit who’s mother?”

“Okay, Leonard. Now is not the time to start ranting about my mother.”

“I think it is a perfect time. We came all this way, and do you think she could have at least offered a cup of tea?”

“You know she’s not well.”

“Not well? That old warhorse is far more healthy than you, and I combined.”

“Well, she still has her challenges.”

“Challenges? Let’s call that little gin habit of hers what it is. She’s a lush.”

“Excuse me, folks, but I need to get back to the shop.”

“Ah, forgive us.”

“Yeah, please tell us the good news since the bad news says we are pretty much doomed to call my wife’s mother for help.”

“Wel,l even though your car will never run again, I can give you a tow to the garage.”

“Excuse me. Where is the good news in that? Are you saying you can tow us for no extra charge?”

“Oh, no, sir. The fee will be five hundred dollars.”

“That is exorbitant. I’m still waiting for good news.”

“The good news is I can still offer you a ten dollar coupon good on any service. The offer expires at midnight tonight.”

“Such good news, I’m overwhelmed.”

“We only have these coupons once a year.”

“Yeah, I’m not surprised.”

“You and your wife want to ride in the truck?”

“Or what? Walk?”

“Dark sarcasm in the classroom, sir.”

“Yeah, I know. How can you have any pudding if you don’t eat yer meat?”

“You said it, sir.”

“Here’s my card.”

#New Book – War of Nytefall – Eradication by Charles E. Yallowitz

February 24, 2020February 23, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 12 Comments

Is the Orb of Durag the key to Clyde and the Dawn Fangs destruction?

As Dawn Fang vampires are found dead across Windemere, their infamous leader will remember what it is to be afraid.

With the truce between Nyte and Nytefall nearing its end, an old enemy has emerged to rekindle the vampires’ most ancient feud. A Duragian priest is on the move and he is wielding a weapon that can depower and kill Dawn Fangs. This follower of the Sun God has claimed enough victims that Lord Tempest wants the weapon for himself and Clyde is beginning to worry that his fledgling kingdom is in danger of extinction. When it becomes clear that the mysterious relic and Clyde’s transformation into the first Dawn Fang are connected, he will be forced to face a past that he can barely remember.

What can Clyde do to defend his people, his life, and the child he does not know is on the way from the terrifying Fist of Durag?

Excerpt: Stirring

The thick darkness that greets Clyde’s eyes is suffocating and disturbingly familiar. A disconcerting numbness flows along his skin and plunges all of his senses into a mental fog. He groans as he sits up and touches the warm ground beneath him, his fingers finding it rough and jagged. The memory of being in Gregorio’s lair strikes his mind like a perfectly aimed arrow and he tries to stand up. A dull ache courses through his legs and forces him to remain on the floor, which trembles for a brief moment. Picking up a stone, he can feel the faint carving of half a sun with a grinning face. With a yawn, the vampire throws the rock away and waits for it to land, but the sound of it bouncing takes several minutes to reach his ears. Clyde scowls when the noise ends with a strange thud that reminds him of a fist punching flesh. The distant gurgling of a stream draws his attention to the right and he squints at a strange form that is gradually taking shape in the gloom. Finding the energy to rise, he gets to his feet and wipes the dirt from his body, which he learns is unclothed. The Dawn Fang’s senses steadily return to their full strength and he realizes that his vision has been blocked by his own hair. Luscious and tangled tresses cascade from his head to cover everything from his scalp to his elbows. Wrapping all of the strands around his left hand, he uses his right to slice them off and is about to use his fingers like scissors when his body locks.

The ruins of the Duragian temple are laid out before Clyde, their details making it clear that they are the genuine articles. Bodies of civilians and priests are strewn about the area, all of them having been drained of blood. A white-bricked wall has been marked with scratches that the vampire knows are a foolish attempt to keep track of time, which he abandoned after he had run out of prey. Far in the distance, he can see the tower where he was once held prisoner, its top seven floors having snapped off as it sunk. Light pulses from the enormous structure to drive the cavern’s darkness into the corners. Smaller shrines help to illuminate the streets, which are littered with debris. The smell of rotting meat is thick in the air, the stench emanating from the abandoned food and corpses. Not far away, the vampire sees a cleared area with a burn mark in its center. It takes him a moment to recognize the battered ruins of the execution square, its right side having slumped into a sinkhole.

A pang of doubt and anxiety races through Clyde’s mind as he recalls getting struck by the fake Fists of Durag. He begins to walk through the ruins in search of signs that he is being tricked, but it becomes clear that he is not trapped within an illusion. All attempts to see through the spell are met with failure, which feeds a primal rage in the pit of his soul. Coming to a broken fountain, he kneels and scoops up a handful of stagnant water to drink. The foul liquid makes his tongue burn and his stomach twists to the point where he has to vomit in order to avoid passing out. Focused on his own body, Clyde releases his severed hair when he realizes that his heart is no longer beating. Jamming a finger between his ribs, he touches the organ to find it wrinkled and still. With a growl, he swings his fist at the nearest building only to find that he cannot knock the whole structure over. The vampire stares at the hole in the wall and flexes his fingers, which make the gestures for a claw-growing spell. He curses loudly when he feels his nails lengthen and harden into natural blades.

“What in all of Windemere is going on?” Clyde asks.

Get War of Nytefall: Eradication on Amazon for $2.99!
Add it to your Goodreads To-Read Lists!

*****

Start the adventure from the beginning with War of Nytefall: Loyalty!

Then, follow the vampire-filled fun with War of Nytefall: Lost!

Afterwards, continue the action-packed journey with War of Nytefall: Rivalry!

Interested in more Windemere? Then don’t forget to check out Charles E. Yallowitz’s first series: Legends of Windemere

About the Author:

Charles Yallowitz was born and raised on Long Island, NY, but he has spent most of his life wandering his own imagination in a blissful haze. Occasionally, he would return from this world for the necessities such as food, showers, and Saturday morning cartoons. One day he returned from his imagination and decided he would share his stories with the world. After spending many years fiddling with his thoughts and notebooks, he decided that it was time to follow his dream of being a fantasy author. So, locked within the house with only pizza and seltzer to sustain him, Charles brings you tales from the world of Windemere. He looks forward to sharing all of his stories with you and drawing you into a world of magic.

Blog: www.legendsofwindemere.com
Twitter: @cyallowitz
Facebook: Charles Yallowitz
Website: www.charleseyallowitz.com
Instagram: https://www.i

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the First Mardi-Gras Celebration in New Orleans in 1827

February 24, 2020February 23, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

Mardi-Gras

This week marks the 193rd anniversary of the first Mardi-Gras celebration in New Orleans. This event just cries out for a visit. Of course, there are some precautions needed, so take this list and try to stay out of trouble.

10 If you are there, do not stand in the french quarter, expecting a big celebration. If you do, at best you’ll miss some crowds. At worst, you will lose the party. (You see, Ken, St Charles street was where the celebration started with a bunch of college students who were trying to duplicate the fun they had in Paris the year before. It looks like you may have to come back next year. Then again, since you are a time traveler, you can pick any year.)

9 If you are there, do not ask Tiny the WWF champ for some doubloons. If you do at best he won’t hear you. At worst, since Tiny missed his last three obsessive-compulsive paranoia group help sessions, he will not be sharing his doubloons today. (In fact, Kamal you have now caused him to believe you will try to steal his stuff. Don’t worry about the landing after that helicopter spin. Tiny usually tosses his opponents into the crowd. Most of them are pretty soft. The crowd, not the toss)

8 If you are there, do not take off your shirt, expecting someone to toss you something. If you do, at best no one will see you. At worst, your lack of a shirt will have been noted by the sheriff. (Looks like you are being written up, Kiley. Not for your public display, which one would expect but for the fact that you frightened several of the horses. How bout you put that shirt back on, okay?)

7 If you are there, do not go into a pub and order a Hurricane to drink. If you do, at best you won’t be understood. At worst, the barkeep will think you are making weather jokes and toss you out. (That’s because the Hurricane was invented at Pat O’Brians bar during World War II when whiskey was in short supply and rum plentiful. It looks like your landing on the street was less than dignified, Kameron. Don’t touch anything until you get a shower.)

6 If you are there, do not ask when the parade will begin. If you do, at best, people will not know what you are talking about. At worst, they will think you have been overserved and call the police. (You are a little early for parades, Kevan. The first did not happen until 1857 when the Krewe of Comus began the idea. (No matter how you try, Kristopher, you are not going to convince that policeman that you haven’t been drinking. Maybe they will name a parade after that wacky guy who kept asking where the parade was being held. Or perhaps not.)

5 If you are there, do not shout at people to throw you beads. If you do, at best you’ll get some strange looks. At worst, people will wonder if you have lost your mind. (The problem is, Kenton the idea of tossing beads from a float came about in the 1880s when a guy dressed as Santa started the tradition. Here come some guys with a costume they want you to try on. Yeah, they don’t call it a straight jacket for nothing.)

4 If you are there, do not tease the constable’s horse. If you do, at best, you’ll have your foot stepped on. At worst, the constable will take offense since he considers his horse a part of the family. (Also, Kofi you are courting a bonk on the head since the constable got a new billy club for his birthday, and he has been itching to try it out.)

3 If you are there, do not ask the Beignets vendor if he has one that is jelly-filled. If you do, at best he just arrived from France and can’t speak English. At worst, you have asked the president of the Keep the Beignet Free from the New World Contamination Society. (It is now time to put those running shoes to the test, Kristoff. That guy has a big knife, and I think he intends to do you harm. He had vowed to murder the next person who denigrated his precious Beignets, and the last one just left.)

2 If you are there, do not let a kid bet you that he can tell you where and when you got your shoes. If you do, at best you only lost a ha’penny. At worst, you were so sure he couldn’t, you bet him all your cash. (You now know, Kiernan that the kid told you you got your shoes on Bourbon Street right now. I guess you have no choice but to pay up. Besides those four big looking guys seem to be with the kid.)

1 If you are there, do not add Tobasco sauce to your gumbo until you taste it. If you do, at best you’re from Texas and can stand the heat. At worst, you will need a gallon of water and three days to recover your voice. (Running around screaming about the flames in your mouth will get you little sympathy, Keiren. You will be labeled a tourist from that time on, and people will avoid you at all costs.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Chinese Brush Painting

February 23, 2020February 23, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 56 Comments

The ancient art of Chinese Brush Painting was present in the Lakeway Activity Center this weekend. On Saturday and today, a class was and is being held on Chinese Brush Art. Unlike traditional western-style painting, Chinese Brush Painting is meant to capture the spirit of the subject rather than its photographic reality. The ink and paper cannot be retouched once the stroke is made, so many exciting results can be achieved.

Chinese Brush Painting

An example of a finished piece.

Chinese Brush Painting

The class is spending time interpreting Three Friends of winter. The Three Friends are pine, plum, and bamboo, which survive in the winter months. Pictured are classmates on the left, and the instructor is on the right.

Chinese Brush Art

The Three Friends of Winter represent Strength, Adversity, and Longevity. The artist is working on her interpretation of plum.

The entire class is working on Plum one brushstroke at a time.

This artist is well along with her interpretation of plum.

The ink and brush are united on a palette.

One-on-one guidance is provided and welcome praise for the result.

Contemplation of the next line.

A gentle hand of encouragement.

The brushes used for Chinese Brush Art.

The instructor was born under the Water sign of the Dragon. Her Chop (Used to sign her work) depicts a dragon coming out of the water along with her name character.

Color has been added.

Adding gentle strokes of color to complete the piece.

The class will be working on bamboo today. I want to thank them for allowing me to witness their progress with Chinese Brush Art.

Also, thank you all for joining me on this art tour today. Have a great week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Animal Sounds”

February 22, 2020February 21, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and this week’s prompt will need some explanation by the Prompt Master, Linda Hill. Here is what she posted on the dungeon door, “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “animal sounds.” Write about the sounds animals make and how you experience them. Have fun!”

“Meow.”

“Okay, I give.”

“Woof.”

“Please tell me you aren’t having a stroke. Instead, tell me you are heeding the call of the Linda Hill prompt instead.”

“Growl.”

“Please get up off the floor and tell me what’s going on.”

“Snarl.”

“Now you are causing me concern. Before I call animal control, tell me what you are doing.”

“Okay. We are supposed to write about the sounds animals make and how we experience them.”

“So, your experience is making the sounds?”

“Great guess. See you should join in the fun.”

“As the last thing I do on Earth, you mean?”

“Aw come on. You might like it.”

“I think a root canal might be more pleasurable.”

” Go ahead, make an animal sound.”

“You’re pushing me.”

“Have some fun.”

“Toot.”

“You are kidding, right? What sound was that?”

“A baby elephant.”

“Oh my. Why did you pick a baby elephant?”

“To give you fair warning.”

“Of what?”

*BARRRATTTTT

“It’s irratated mama.”

“Very funny.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

February 21, 2020February 20, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 79 Comments

“Hey, Lucy. It’s Friday. Want to play?”
“Calamari?”
“Yup.”
“Toss the squid.”
“I don’t have an opposable thumb.”
“Run it over then.”

Another week rolls along. Eight more hours, and we can all jump into a giant container of our favorite coping substance.

This has been a pretty quiet week. I have pretty much tended to the blog, and that’s about all.

I am trying to put together some data that can be used to query agents. One of the cardinal rules of a query is you must tailor the information to match the specific needs of the agent. This means that a wholesale generalized query letter will probably hit the trash. I am doing the research now. Also, I’m working on a blurb and synopsis.

None of what I’m doing will be a waste should I decide to go ahead and self-publish again. So I look upon the work as necessary.

We had some much-needed rain this week. It was the gentle stuff that does some good as opposed to the frog strangler type, which just ends up flooding the low lands.

After a couple of days of fewer reported cases of the Coronavirus, yesterday saw an increase. Of course, the stock market responded to the fear. Since a vaccine is twelve months off, we all need to be mindful of the basics of prevention. This is true for the flu as well as Coronavirus. 1. Wash hands a lot, especially if you frequent public areas. 2. Sneeze or cough into a tissue or your sleeve. 3. Get the rest you need. 4. Wear a quality germ mask if you have to fly.

Today’s JohnKu talks about personal responsibility in staying well. I hope you all have a great weekend.

The government is,

able to do just so much . . .

We need to take charge.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy and Twiggy Face a Cold Day

February 20, 2020February 19, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 88 Comments

“Hey, dad. What’s the temp like out there?”

“Right now, it’s 47 (8.33 C) degrees. Looks like a high of 49 (9.44 C ).”

“What do you think, Lucy. Play outside?”

“You nuts, Little One? I need 60 (15.5 C) degrees before I go out there.”

“I agree. Gonna take this old lap.”

“I think you are making the right move.”

“You going to nap some more?”

“Yeah. Let me just rest my eyes.”

“How about a game of calamari?”

“Maybe in a few minutes.”

“You two need to get some exercise.”

“Who us?”

“Yeah, you.”

Geez, Mom. That’s a little harsh. It gives me a body image challenge.”

“From where I sit, Lucy, I think mom has a point.”

“Okay, that’s it. You have to the count of three to grab that squid and run for your life.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

February 19, 2020February 18, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 58 Comments

Lucy and Twiggy — “Hows the bone, Little One.”
“Delicious, Lucy.”
“Glad I’m not in your way. Happy Hump Day.”
“Thank you. Could you move over just a little?”

It is Wednesday Story Day again and last week Jerry Foster (The room service guy) told Larry and Andrew about the fact that Cortez threatened Rafferty before he was killed. He also let fly that Wentworth is the son-in-law of Cortez. When asked why Janice Rafferty gave him a big tip he described seeing someone come out of her room shortly before he arrived with her breakfast. Oh, he also told our pair that Charles had nothing to do with Mrs. Rafferty. So, I see Larry and Andrew walking into the executive area and I’m guessing they are headed to Wentworth’s office.

“What are you going to ask Wentworth?”

“Why he lied about Jerry’s phone.”

“I think it’s pretty obvious.”

“Okay, Sherlock tell me the obvious answer.”

“He wanted us to go to Jerry’s apartment so he could have those guys with the assault rifles take us all out.”

“I guess I should restate my question to Wentworth.”

“Yes, you. Should.”

“Okay, how’s this? ‘Why did you set us up to be killed?’”

“I’m sure he’ll give you a straight answer to that one.”

“What would you ask, then?”

“I would start slowly with something like, ‘Tell us again about Jerry’s phone.’”

“Don’t you think he’ll lawyer up immediately?”

“I don’t think so. If you explain that you are interested in getting to the truth maybe he’ll finger someone else.”

“Yeah, I see that. It is worth a try. We are here at the executive office. Let’s go in.”

“Yes, gentlemen can I help you?”

“We are here to see Wentworth.”

“Do you have an appointment?”

“This badge says I don’t need an appointment. Is he here?”

“L-let me check. Mr. Wentworth. There are two policemen here to see you. Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. He says to go right in.”

“Well, gentlemen. So nice to see you.”

“I’ll bet seeing us is a bit of a surprise huh?”

“I don’t know what you are talking about, Detective.”

“Yeah sure—”

“Uh, Larry. Truth?”

“Okay, Andrew. You know Wentworth we are trying to find out who killed Alexis Rafferty.”

“What has that to do with me?”

“Nice, subtle lead-in, Larry.”

“Thanks, Andrew. Oh, I see. You are being facetious. Anyway Wentworth.”

“That’ll be Sanford.”

“Yeah, right, Sanford. You know Andrew and I are trying to get to the truth, and we think you can help us.”

“Help how?”

“For example. You pretty much said Jerry had dismantled his phone.”

“No. I said Jerry wasn’t answering his phone and then when we went to the break room it was in pieces.”

“You said it was Jerry’s phone.”

“That’s right.”

But it wasn’t.”

“News to me, Detective.”

“Okay let’s quit running around the bush. Did you send a group of hired guns to kill us?”

“Excuse me but this little game is over. Get out of my office before I call the real police.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #250 by Keith Channing

February 18, 2020February 17, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 57 Comments

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

The photo.

Kreative Kue #250

“Can you hear me?”

“Muffelluff eff.”

“What?”

“Merfing merp merp.”

“I can’t understand you. Is something blocking your mouth?”

“Ah, moggle mit merf. Is this better? The snow was in the way.”

“My goodness, yes. How are you doing?”

“Just fine. Unfortunately, I fell in this deep hole.”

“I know. I have been sent to rescue you.”

“Who are you?”

“My name is Arty.”

“Arty?”

“Yup. Short for Arctic Rescue Canine.”

“Do you have a rope?”

“No. Just my paws. I will have you out in no time.”

“You are going to dig down here?”

“Yup. That’s right.”

“Then what?”

“Then, we walk out of the hole together.”

“Excuse me if I seem dubious, but I don’t know how that’s going to happen.”

“The walking part?”

“No the digging part. You’ve got about ten feet to dig to reach me.”

“Piece of cake.”

“How can you be so sure.”

“I used to be able to dig out of my yard in ten seconds flat, and that was dirt. This is snow. What chance does it stand?”

“Well, you sound convincing.”

“What do you have to lose?”

“Nothing, I guess. One more thing.”

“Yes.”

“I’m a cat.”

“You’re kidding?”

“No. Arctic Bob is my name.”

“Tell me the name ‘Bob’ is not part of the term bobcat.”

“It is.”

“You know I think I hear my owner. You can do this Bob. See ya.”

“Darn. Thought I had one.”