Guesting With Jill Weatherholt Today #wouldyourather

February 7, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 17 Comments

I am so pleased to be a guest on Jill Weatherholt’s blog today. She has a feature titled “Would You Rather.” The guest needs to choose between two challenging options and then explain the reasons. I had a fun time with my answers. Here is the link.

Jill writes for Harlequin Love Inspired and is working hard on her next release.

Jill’s bio

My name is Jill Weatherholt and I’m a writer. I have a full-time day job, but at night and on the weekend, I pursue my passion for writing. I write contemporary stories about love, friendship, and forgiveness. I started this blog as a way to share my journey toward publication and to create a community for other new writers and artists.

Raised in the suburbs of the Washington, DC area, I’ve lived in Charlotte, North Carolina since 2004, but my heart remains in Virginia. I hold a degree in Psychology from George Mason University and a Certification in Paralegal Studies from Duke University.

She also loves Hummingbirds.

Thak you Jill for having me today.

Friday John Ku – AKA – TGIF

February 7, 2020February 6, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 54 Comments

Lucy and Twiggy — “Dad will you please tell Twiggy it is Friday.”
“It’s Friday, Twiggy.”
“I think Mom should weigh in.”

Well, the week is almost over. Eight more hours, and it will be weekend eve.

Quite a week, actually. The Superbowl was an excellent game. For one who had no allegiance to either team, I certainly found the game better than the commercials. That last nine minutes was almost classic in its come from behind drama. For those who don’t know what I’m talking about, let me just say there was some exceptional teamwork displayed that allowed the losing team (Kansas City) to pass the leading organization (San Francisco) to win the game.

The Iowa Democratic caucus blew up with a new, untested app. It amazes me that no one thought to really test this app in live conditions. The voters and volunteers who worked hard on the campaigns were the losers in this fiasco. Of course, a couple of candidates said they won. The usual conspiracy theorists were also out in force, blaming everyone except maybe the Russians for the mess.

We had the State of the Union address with all the usual manure piles being thrown around. A lot of immature children were without supervision that night, and it is clear party politics will continue to throttle progress.

This week also saw Donald Trump acquitted of the two impeachment charges brought by the house. My summary of the whole thing is a partisan move by the house was offset by a partisan move by the Senate for a sum zero gain at a pretty healthy cost. Of course, the vitriol remans. I was shocked to read one blogger wish the Coronavirus on the Senate leadership and the President. Another thought payback against Democrats would be a good thing. Come on, folks. Don’t match the juvenile behavior in Washington with the same out here in real life.

It is really time for Americans to come together more than ever. Hatred should live elsewhere and not in our own town.

Today’s JohnKu talks about hatred. I hope you all have a great weekend.

It starts very small,

Then rolls on out of control . . .

To poison us all.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Cold Again

February 6, 2020February 5, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

Lucy and Twiggy

“So what, are we doing out here, Lucy?”

“I thought we were going to play ball.”

Lucy and Twiggy

“I think I can see my breath.”

“I don’t doubt it, Little One. I’m calling mom.”

Lucy and Twiggy

“What is taking so long? I swear it is freezing out here.”

“I’m not sure. It’s like we have been abandoned.”

Lucy and Twiggy

“Okay, you two, you are inside now. What is the big feal?”

“Exactly what is the temperature out there?”

Lucy and Twiggy

“Let’s see. Looks like 41 degrees with a high today of 42 and a low of 30 degrees.”

“Man, oh, man. And we short hairs are supposed to play ball out there?”

Lucy and Twiggy

Not me. This is more like it.”

“Yeah, I’m heading to my bed.”

Lucy and Twiggy

“You in your bed, Little one?”

“Murfff.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

February 5, 2020February 4, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 56 Comments

Twiggy and Lucy — “And so after a hard day at the couch, the canines decide that a proper Hump Day celebration is another nap.”
“Huh? Who said that, Lucy?”
“The narrator. Pay no attention Little One.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week, we witnessed the arrival of Lake Tahoe’s finest. Yes, once again, Larry and Andrew are under suspicion of breaking the law. Jerry Foster is standing around, waiting to see what will happen. I know the officer has returned from contacting his dispatch to check on Larry and Andrew’s background. Let’s get there to be witness to the good news or bad.

“Okay, detective. Looks like you are well known to the department here. I’ve been instructed to give you whatever assistance you need.”
“I appreciate that, officer … uh does your nametag say, Fife?”
“I’ve heard them all, detective, so don’t even go there.”
“Well, Andrew and I appreciate the offer, but we think we have this. We just need to get back to the Hyatt and ask Wentworth a few questions. Also, we need to take Jerry here with us.”
“Okay, detective. Have it your way, but from the looks of things, you are facing some pretty mean hombres. I would think you would welcome a little protection.”
“I think the best protection would be to find out who is behind this kind of mayhem.”
“Well, I think I have an idea although t is not my place to accuse those who I can’t prove are involved.”
“Can you give me a hint, and then I can follow up unofficially.”
“Yeah, I guess that would work. Chercher Cortez.”
“There’s that name again.”
“You’ve heard it before.”
“You bet. We have been cherching Cortez since the beginning of this stupid story.”
“He’s not hard to find. Just go into the Hyatt bar, and he’s got a regular table off to the right. He does all his business from there.”
“Much obliged officer Fife. We will keep that in mind. So, Andrew, you ready?”
“Well, Larry, we have a couple of loose ends to tie up before we walk into the lion’s den.”
“Remind me.”
“We need to get some information out of Jerry, here so that we can tie Mrs. Rafferty and her boyfriend to the killing of her husband.”
“Yeah, okay. Jerry, you willing to talk?”
“Yes, sir. I’ll tell you all I know.”
“Good. What else, Andrew?”
“We need to find out why Wentworth lied to us.”
“Yes. That is a good one.”
“I can tell you that.”
“Go ahead, Jerry.”
“He’s under Cortez’s thumb.”
“Excuse me, detective.”
“Yes, Officer, Fife.”
“If you three have no more need for us, we need to ask you to leave. The crime lab guys are headed this way, and we need to secure the scene.”
“Thank you, officer. We are on our way.”
“Hey, hold on you three.”
“Ah, Mr. Landlord. What can we do for you?”
“Who’s gonna pay for the frickin door?”
“I would guess Jerry’s rental insurance.”
“Excuse me, sir, but I asked you to leave the last time you got in the way. Unless you want a citation for interfering with a criminal investigation, I would suggest you go back to your apartment.”
“Thanks, Officer Fife. On behalf of the three of us.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #248 by Keith Channing

February 4, 2020February 3, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 40 Comments

In Keith’s words. “On to this week’s challenge: 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 #248

“I heard your phone, ding. Who is sending you a message?”

“OMG. It’s that boy I met on the bus yesterday.”

“What, boy. You never told us about a boy.”

“Well, I didn’t think it was necessary. You know how boys are. I didn’t expect to hear from him again.”

“How did he get your number?”

“We traded numbers.”

“My gosh, Aahana. Don’t you know how dangerous that is?”

“Oh, nonsense. It’s not like I gave him my home address.”

“Another ding.”

“Yes, he is sending me a picture. Oh, look.”

“Whoa. He is a handsome one, for sure. What is his name?”

“I don’t know. We didn’t trade names.”

“Well, ask him?”

“I can’t do that?”

“Why not?”

“It’s too personal. I should have asked when I was talking to him.”

“You give him your phone number, and you think asking his name is too personal?”

“Oh, wait. He is asking my name.”

“Ha.”

“Don’t ‘ha” me. That is a personal question. I don’t have to give him my name.”

“You now think he is too forward?”

“I do. I am going to ignore his texts. Look, he is now asking where I live?”

“Well, I would ignore that one for sure.”

“Here, I’ll take care of it and tell him I have no interest in him.”

“He sure is good looking.”

“So what. Probably raised in a barn. The nerve. Asking my name and where I live. Wait, he is sending me his address. Look at this.”

“Isn’t that the Prime minister’s address?”

“This might be his son.”

“Oh, Aahana. Did you send the text telling him you have no interest.”

“I did. Ours crossed. Oops. He just sent a sad emoji.”

“So tell him you didn’t mean it.”

“There is not a future anyway.”

“Why?”

“My dad voted against the prime minister and would never consent to a date.”

“You could tell him he’s a lawyer.”

“Even worse.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do on a Spa Vacation

February 3, 2020February 9, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 75 Comments

Top Ten things not to do

Because of the Super Bowl getting in the way of my creative time, I am republishing a post from February 6th of 2017. I hope you enjoy.

***

The inspiration for this list came from looking at possible spa vacations and then deciding to pass after reviewing all the material. I hope you enjoy the list and for those who love spa vacations, I am very envious since you obviously have a good feeling about yourself.

Ten Things Not to Do on a Spa Vacation.

10 On a spa vacation, do not sign up for anything you don’t understand. If you do, at best you will learn what you don’t like at a high cost. At worst, those funny words turn out to mean “tortured until you confess.” (Sad thing is you don’t know what to admit huh, Bunky?)

9 On a spa vacation, do not fall asleep in the sauna. If you do, at best you will wake up before dehydration sets in. At worst, your dreams of lost in the desert will, in fact, be a reality and that oasis is a mirage. ( Being a conscript in the French Foreign Legion wasn’t on the itinerary was it, Buford?)

8 On a spa vacation, do not think the phrase “essential oils” really means not optional. If you do, at best you’ll experience a new meaning to the term, “greasy.” At worst, you cannot find a place to sit, lie, or stand where you don’t slide off and end up on the floor or ground. (So everyone thinks you are drunk huh, Bosco. You shouldn’t care until CNN shows up)

7 On a spa vacation, do not think the robes are gifts of the hotel. If you do, at best you’ll pay the $75.00 each charge without complaint. At worst, the head of security will be called over the loudspeaker to look through your bags at checkout since housekeeping reported the robes missing.(Right now Tiny the WWF champ is walking across the lobby, and the look on his face gives you the chills. You sense he has been looking forward to this all day don’t you, Buster? Can you say strip search?)

6 On a spa vacation, do not sign up for the mud baths if you are unsure of the source of the dirt. If you do, at best you will imagine all kinds of things in that mud with you. At worst, once you realize that Bayou Baths is a combination of river mud, crawfish droppings, and decayed vegetation you’ll never feel clean again regardless of the number of showers you take. (The brochure said “all-natural” so what’s the complaint, Furd? Sure you got a little in your mouth, but you’ve had worse.”)

5 On a spa vacation, do not think massage words are the same as outside life words. If you do, at best you were careful in describing the service you were expecting. At worst, the light-hearted comments about deep massage will have you begging to be saved. (Let’s not even mention how you mumbled aloud something about the ending, Tex.)

4 On a spa vacation, do not try to influence the music choice of the staff. If you do, at best you will be ignored. At worst, the esoteric music that you thought was annoying has now been replaced by heavy metal favorites played on a flute, harp, and oboe. (Makes the nails on the chalkboard analogy seem inadequate huh, Rube?)

3 On a spa vacation, do not ignore the hot stone warnings. If you do at best aloe vera will ease the pain. At worst, you will now be mistaken for an Olympic athlete who had undergone suction treatments. ( Of course, you could also be mistaken for an idiot who doesn’t pay attention to warnings, Stu. I Love that line of circles down your back.)

2 On a spa vacation, do not think a seaweed wrap is a luncheon menu item. If you do, at best your cries for rescue will be ignored. At worst, as you struggle to free yourself from the grip of the slimy seaweed you inadvertently roll into the hot tub. ( Now maybe the stuff will cook off huh, Buddy? Can you say Miso soup?)

1 On a spa vacation, do not think you can request your favorite food. If you do, at best you will get zucchini prepared like your favorite food. At worst, the staff will believe you need a “cleanse interdiction,” and you will spend the rest of your holiday fearing to be more than ten steps from a ceramic chair. (Man, that juice tasted so good going down didn’t it, Bubba? Do you think they put jalapeno peppers in there?)

Views of the Neighborhood – The Activity Center in Lakeway

February 2, 2020February 1, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 55 Comments

The Activity Center in Lakeway is a hectic place. There are events and classes every day. Today I wan,t to highlight an event that takes place during January and February. It is the brown bag music sessions held on Thursdays. There is a signpost up ahead. Let’s go investigate.

Views of the Neighborhood

As you can see, the event is free. Folks bring lunch and hear super music.

Views of the Neighborhood

Here we are at the Activities Center. Let’s go in.

Views of the Neighborhood

Oh my. The place is packed. The band is playing a catchy country tune.

The music brings back memories.

It looks like some forgot lunch. Well, maybe after.

Views of the Neighborhood

This is Frank Cavett & Friends and their honky-tonk renditions. During one introduction, Frank stated he had never played in a place with so much light. He said it was a little scary that he could see the audience. Yes, a big laugh.

Here is the schedule for the rest of February.

As you could tell by the audience photos, this is a pleasant opportunity for our seniors to get out and enjoy the sounds.

I plan to take you to other Activity Center events but for now, thanks for coming along.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday- Prompt – “Choices”

February 1, 2020January 31, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 57 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and this week’s prompt is “choices.” Not just any choices mind you. Let’s let Linda Hill explain in her words.

“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “choices.” Base your post on the subject of making small, uneventful choices. Enjoy!”

If you would like to have the same kind of fun, go to Linda’s blog, grab a big cocktail, and read how easy it is. Here is the link.

https://lindaghill.com/2020/01/31/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-feb-1-2020/

“A little bit of this or a little bit of that.”

“What are you doing?”

“I have some small, uneventful choices to make.”

“Linda Hill, right?”

“Yeah, but look at this.”

“Okay. What am I looking at here?”

“I’m trying to decide between Raisin Bran Crunch or Cheerios.”

“For breakfast?”

“No, that would be too eventful. I mean, a big bowl of either is a meal. That’s an event. Not in the rules.”

“Rules? What rules?”

“Linda’s rules.”

“Let me shut my mouth then. What do you need me to do?”

“See this little crumb?”

“Yes, I see it. I think.”

“Uneventful, right?”

“I would say so.”

“Okay, look at this crumb.”

“Yes. Looks like the other one.”

“Au contraire mon frère.”

“Dale will love you. So, what is it.”

“Like I said, I need to make an uneventful choice. This crumb is a Raisin Bran Crunch crumb, and this is a Cheerios crumb.”

“Can we get to the end of this before I need eye surgery? So what are you doing with these crumbs?”

“You know how I love to feed the birds.”

“I suppose. I have always had a mild concern about your motivation with that?”

“Oh, come on. I love birds.”

“So what about these crumbs?”

“I need to make a change in bird food.”

“I’m waiting for the punch line.”

“I thought I would put one of these crumbs on the feeder.”

“Are you kidding me? The birds won’t even see them, and you’ll base your bird food selection on a dubious experiment?”

“No. The bird food decision is a big one. This crumb decision has nothing to do with that.”

“THEN WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU PUTTING IT ON THE FEEDER FOR?”

“Geez. Calm down. As I said, the rules say uneventful choice. This is about as uneventful as I can make it. The birds won’t see it, and even if they do, it will have nothing to do with my choice of bird food.”

“I think I need to take a nap.”

“That is pretty eventful.”

“Bite me.”

“Another event for history.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

January 31, 2020January 30, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 69 Comments

Twiggy and Lucy TGIF — “Hey, you two.”
“What dad?”
“It’s Friday. You should be out playing.”
“We’re working up to it. We decided on no sudden moves today.”

The week seems to have flown by. Not sure why. Maybe it is because it has been a busy one.

I have received most of the beta reader comments on my WIP. I have been very pleased with the quality of the suggestions. Beta-reader comments are seldom a surprise to me because they usually are directed at a part of the story that was bothersome when it was written. It sure helps to have another set of eyes look at the work.

All of the beta readers enjoyed the story which makes life worth living. I am now waiting for the final comments and then will finalize the MS and send it to the editor.

I am very grateful for the support and attention to detail that each beta-reader gave. You have my gratitude.

All else is good. I am currently beta reading a memoir written by a well known New York antique dealer. It is a fascinating story of the NYC celebrity scene from the 50s to the 90s.

We finally got some much-needed rain that was more than a misty sprinkle. Hopefully, more is on the way.

Today’s JohnKu talks about how we look at life. I hope you have a fabulous weekend.

When you see a glass,

Do you ever ask yourself. . .

Half-full or empty?