Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Ingle”

December 21, 2019December 20, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

Stream of Consciousness

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and this week’s prompt requires a visit by Linda Hill. In her words, “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “ingle.” Find a word that contains “ingle” and use it any way you’d like in your post. Have fun!” I love how she always throws in the “have fun” thingy.

If you would like to be part of the have fun thingy group, visit Linda’s blog and read how. You would be surprised how easy it is to have fun. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2019/12/20/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-dec-21-19/

“Now, you really look pensive, my friend.”

“I’m writing a letter to Chris Kringle.”

“Santa Claus? Why are you saying Kris Kr— Oh, I’ll bet Linda Hill has you on a wild goose chase again.”

“It’s not a wild goose chase it’s words that have ‘ingle’ in them.”

“Hence ‘Kringle.”‘

“Yes. I had intended to put ingle words into my letter.”

“Oh, really? Is the letter done?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Will you read it to me?”

“Sure. Ahem

My Dear Mr. Kringle,

I have been very good this year. I can’t think of a single time where I was bad. Well, there was the time that I had too much Inglenook Chardonnay, but that was only a meaningless slip of judgment. You see, I was mingling with the wrong crowd, and the ringleader got me into a chardonnay chugging contest, and before I knew it, my toes began to tingle. By then, it was too late, and I was wingless, so to speak.

Besides that, I have tried my best to hang out a shingle of virtue. To that end, all I want for Christmas is a Bentley Turbo Convertable. I’m not fussy about the color, but a beautiful slate grey would be lovely. How does it sound?“

“If I were Kris I would leave you one jingle of a bell.”

“Aw come on. I deserve that car.”

“Sure you do. Like I deserve you or a case of the shingles.”

“Cold brother.”

“Speaking of?”

“Right behind you.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

December 20, 2019December 19, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 79 Comments

Lucy and Twiggy — “It’s Friday, Lucy. Let’s play.”
“Sure thing, Little One. Wait until I have my coffee.”

Here it is another Friday. It is Friday before Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. It makes it a pretty important Friday for sure. It is that kind of Friday that makes you really nervous if you don’t have all the gifts bought and all the plans made. It is the kind of Friday that makes you wish you had started the holiday preparation a wee bit earlier….like October. Don’t forget there are 24 hours in a day and if you don’t need a lot of sleep, plenty of time to get everything done. Well, maybe not everything but enough, so no one will know you put off your preparations until the last second. Yeah, that’s what Friday feels like, the last second.

Todays, JohnKu talks about procrastination. I hope you have a delightful weekend getting everything done.

Many things to do,

Not enough time to do them . . .

Why did you delay?

To really get into the spirit if you want a really great time go to Sally Cronin’s blog today. She is hosting a fabulous Christmas Wish post which features music, food and the wishes of a number of your friends and fellow authors. If you don’t visit another post today this has to be the one. https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/12/20/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-christmas-party-just-one-wish-guests-food-music-and-laughter/

Thursday – A Little Personal – Holiday Spirit

December 19, 2019December 18, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 91 Comments

Lucy and Twiggy

“Hey, Dad. You think Lucy is going to wear those antlers?”

“I very much doubt it, Little one.”

“Here she comes. I’ll ask her.”

“Don’t be surprised by the answer.”

“The answer is no.”

“I didn’t even ask a question, Lucy.”

“I think you were going to ask if I would wear those reindeer antlers.”

“Man, you are a clairvoyant for sure. Hey dad, can I try on my holiday dress?”

“There you are, Little One. You look precious.”

“See Lucy. If you put on those antlers, you would be precious too.”

“I hate to tell you, but sometimes precious is another word for challenged.”

“Aw come on, Lucy. Get into the spirit. Do the antlers.”

“For you little one, I’ll do a bow. That’s it.”

“Okay, it is better than nothing. Where’s the camera?”

“The tree looks great.”

“So do you in your dress.”

“Precious?”

“No. I would say cute.”

“I’ll take it.”

Wednesday Story Day -AKA- Hump day

December 18, 2019December 17, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 33 Comments

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week, we all got into a stir over the fact that Jerry the server was not answering his phone. Wentworth made it clear that Jerry was supposed to answer, and the mobile phone was going to voicemail after one ring. Wentworth, Larry, and Andrew are headed to the server break room to see if they can find Jerry. We might as well join them. Although the room is small, all one hundred of us can fit in. Let’s go.

“This is the breakroom, gentlemen.”

“Thanks, Went er, Sanford. I don’t see anyone here. Hey, look. Here’s the phone. Could this be Jerry’s phone?”

“Let me look. Ah yes. It sure looks like the model we issue the servers. I’ll have to check the number, though.”

“Looks like the battery has been taken out.”

“Yeah. No wonder it went to voicemail. Jerry has disabled the phone.”

“If, in fact, this is his phone.”

“I don’t see the battery anywhere.”

“So, detective, what should we do?”

“I’m thinking of going to his house. Do you have the address?”

“I do. It is in my office.”

“We’d appreciate your help.”

“No problem, detective. Follow me.”

***

“Slow down, Andrew. I think the apartment building is next.”

“How about I park here?”

“Yeah, this looks good. The number is 304. I’m assuming it is on the third floor.”

“Of course, it is. With our luck, the elevator will be out of order.”

“Have some faith Andrew. Let’s go in this door.”

“It does look like the entrance.”

“And lookie here. An elevator. Hit the up button, will you?”

“I’ve seen slower elevators, but I can’t remember when.”

“Here it is. Watch your step, old man.”

“You said the third floor. Right?”

“Yup. Boy, you are right. This is a slow one.”

“Here we are. You want to go first?”

“Sure, Andrew. After all, I have a gun.”

“I am guessing 304 is to the right.”

“Very good. Here it is. Oh, look. It has a doorbell.”

“Much better than pounding. Nice tone too.”

“I don’t hear anyone inside. Ring it again.”

“I still don’t hear anyone. Maybe pounding is the way to go. Open up, Jerry. This is the police.”

“Nice subtle touch, Larry.”

“I would say he’s not home.”

“Any way we can go in?”

“Not without a warrant unless we have probable cause.”

“Like a guy takes his battery out of his phone and is alluding the cops by laying low.”

“Let me try the door. An unlocked door could be a sign of forced entry.”

“Locked, huh?”

“Yup. Wait, I hear something. Jerry. Open the door.”

“Hey, man. I was sound asleep. What do you want?”

“We need to come in and talk to you.”

“Sure, man. Come in. You got any coffee?”

Tuesday Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #241 by Keith Channing

December 17, 2019December 16, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 37 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 #241

“A song, a song
High above the trees
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as the sea.”

“Hey, Ma’ma.”

“Yes, Little One.”

“Could you hold down the carol for a second?”

“Sure. What’s the problem?”

“Do you see what I see?”

“Tell me more.”

“Don’t listen to her Mom. Go ahead and keep singing.”

“Let’s just wait, Trevor. What is it, you see?”

“On that cement post there. Is that a camera?”

“My goodness child. It does look like one. I wonder who put it there?”

“It wasn’t pop I can guarantee that. He’s like a bear in hibernation.”

“Now Trevor. Your dad is busy with his writing. So what should we think about the camera?”

“Beats me. Maybe the government wants to make sure we aren’t doing anything improper.”

“That’s a laugh. They should have cameras on themselves then.”

“Ma’ ma. Be careful what you say. These are the days of the conservatives you know.”

“I have an idea. Let’s all gather around the camera and sing a carol.”

“I can’t wait for the dispatched loonie wagon to reach us.”

“Oh hush, Trevor. I think it will be fun.”

“Okay, mom. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“Ready? One Two Three.

Said the king to the people everywhere
Listen to what I say
Pray for peace people everywhere
Listen to what I say
The child, the child
Sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light
He will bring us goodness and light

He will bring us goodness and light.”

“Not half bad, mom.”

“Thanks. Let’s go home and have some tea.”

“And a biscuit?”

“Several.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the First Heavier Than Air Aircraft Flight by the Wright Brothers in 1903

December 16, 2019December 16, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

December 16th marks the 116th anniversary of the first flight of a self-propelled heavier than air aircraft by the Wright brothers at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. We do want to go and witness this major event. I have a list of things to avoid so that we don’t get into any trouble while we are there. So let’s get ready to go.

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the First Flight of an Airplane.

10 If you are at the first airplane flight, do not ask the Wrights for a special in-flight meal. If you do, at best, you’ll get a confused look. At worst, Orville will think you have a great idea, but the weight of the turkey will prevent the flight from taking off. (You did not have to specify turkey, Jose. A nice cucumber sandwich would have sufficed.)

9 If you are at the first airplane flight, do not ignore Tiny the WWF champ and self-appointed flight attendant directions. If you do, at best, Tiny won’t notice. At worst, Tiny, who has skipped the last ten court-ordered anger management sessions, is highly offended. (Well, Jamie. You only have yourself to blame. It appears Tiny wants to see if you bounce when dropped out of a plane at 1000 feet. I think we’d all like to know that too.)

8 If you are at the first airplane flight, do not demand a hotel and meal voucher if your flight gets canceled. If you do, at best, no one will understand what you are talking about. At worst, on top of all their troubles, the Wright brothers will consider you a pest. (Looks like Wilber is coming out of the barn with his trusty shotgun, Jackson. It may be time to try out those new Nike running shoes.)

7 If you are at the first airplane flight, do not shout, “Go Gamecocks.” If you do, at best, everyone will be busy and not hear you. At worst, the crowd will come to a silent halt. (You see, Jake, The Gamecocks are a South Carolina University team, and you are standing in Tar Heels territory, which is North Carolina University space. I see a few men picking up shovels. Best head for the hills.)

6 If you are at the first airplane flight, do not try to check an overweight bag. If you do, at best, it will be refused. At worst, the luggage will be jettisoned once the Wrights are airborne. (Looks like those Sponge Bob Squarepants boxers are a big hit with the goats, Jude. With everyone else not so much.)

5 If you are at the first airplane flight, do not ask Wilber if he gives frequent flyer miles. If you do, at best, Wilber will miss the point. At worst, Wilber will issue you credit for the 100 feet before he ejects you from the plane. (You see, Juan. This thing isn’t ready for passenger travel yet no matter what Orville says.)

4 If you are at the first airplane flight, do ask about a Wright Airline club membership. If you do, at best, you’ll get no response. At worst, Wilber will collect a lifetime fee and direct you to the barn. (Quit complaining, Jay. This club is so exclusive you are the only member. Those chickens are interlopers, and I would report them to the management. Free drinks? Sure the pump is right over there.)

3 If you are at the first airplane flight, do not ask for champaign once you get on the plane. If you do, at best, you’ll get a laugh from Orville who will think you are joking. At worst, Orville will find it easier to take someone else than to get a bottle of champaign (Well that didn’t end well, Joe. Now you’ll have to beg for a ride.)

2 If you are at the first airplane flight, do not ask Wilber what time you are arriving at your destination. If you do, at best, Wilber won’t hear you. At worst, Wilber will wonder what happened to your brain. (The first flight lasted 12 seconds and went 120 feet, Jerome. It’s no wonder Wilber thinks you are nuts.)

1 If you are at the first airplane flight, do not ask which movie is playing. If you do, at best, you’ll get a blank stare. At worst, since Orville and Wilber are serious fellows, they think your question is an insult. (Movies are just becoming popular, Jerry but are seen as frivolous entertainment. These two guys from Ohio are very sensitive. Oh look, they have called the sheriff. It must be time to go.)

Views of the Neighborhood – The Hills

December 15, 2019December 14, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 42 Comments

A lot of folks think Texas is flat. Although a lot of it is, some parts are pretty hilly. We live in one of those parts. I took some photos to give you an idea of what the topography around here looks like. I hope you like the Views today.

Views of the Neighborhood

Here is what I look at while exercising on the elliptical machine at the gym.

Here is a photo taken from P.Terry’s a fast-food establishment.

Although I don’t visit this place, this photo is what you see from the plastic surgery spa.

Just so you didn’t think I was making the spa up here is the front of the building.

This photo is of the neighborhood near the spa.

This is a shot from the coffee shop.

Here is the front of the coffee shop. Oops, coffee lounge.

On the way home, I took this photo out of the front window of the car. It gives you an idea of the hills. Yes, I was driving, and yes, you should not try this at home.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Loud”

December 14, 2019December 13, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 37 Comments

Stream of Consciousness

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and this week’s prompt is “loud.” It is a little more complicated than just using the word loud. Here read Linda Hill’s description of the prompt, and you will see what I mean. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “loud.” Find any word that means “loud,” and use it any way you’d like in your post. Enjoy!”

So it looks like we don’t use the word loud but a word that means loud. Hmmm. Maybe like ear-shattering. Of course, that is a hyphenated word and don’t know if it qualifies, and I have no time to call Linda to find out. So I guess I’ll have to find another word. I think deafening will work. Let’s go with that.

“Who were you talking to there?”

“Where?”

“Just above the title, Loud and the byline.”

“Oh, that. I was just articulating an option for using a word that means loud.”

“Why not just use loud?”

“Because we have to use a word that means loud.”

“And you chose deafening?”

“That’s right.”

“Why not vociferous?”

“I don’t know what that means.”

“Loud.”

“Naw, I can’t think of a subject using the word vociferous.”

“What are you going to say about deafening?”

“The piano fell out of the fifth-story window and hit the ground with a deafening crash.”

“You are telling not showing.”

“Huh?”

“You just described the scene. You didn’t get us involved in the scene by showing us what happened.”

“So why don’t you give it a try.”

“Jack looked up in time to see the large grand piano begin its plummet from the fifth story window. The piano’s shadow surrounding Jack became ever wider as gravity pulled it closer to the Earth. Jack knew that as the instrument meets the street, the deafening sound of the implosion would be a lovely experience for any lucky bystanders. In an instant, he also realizes it is now too late for him to get out of the way. He will miss the symphony of destruction. ”

“Geez. You write dark stuff.”

“Yeah, but it has a little more depth.”

“I think I’ll find another word.”

“What other word?”

“Raucous.”

“That’s a good one. Let me hear your story.”

“Um. The party took on a raucous edge when little Janie secretly added three pints of grain alcohol to the champaign fountain.”

“Yeah, I like it. Then what happened?”

“What do you mean?”

“You got my interest up. What happen next?”

“Oh, I don’t know. The police came and threw everyone in jail I guess.”

“So, you don’t know what happened?”

“Why does something have to happen?”

“I thought you were supposed to write a story using the prompt.”

“Yeah, but now I’m out of time. I’m just going to go with what we have.”

“You can do that?”

“I guess we’ll find out.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

December 13, 2019December 12, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 58 Comments

Once again Friday has arrived. It seems like this week it took its sweet old time. I can’t put my finger on it, but it sure felt like a long week.

We got the Christmas tree up along with some other decorations. It is always nice to have the holiday come around again. I didn’t think my inbox would survive black Friday and Cyber Monday but it certainly did. Heard on the news that this was the biggest retail and online sales figures made to date. I have to believe people are feeling good about buying and giving gifts.

I’m still plugging away at my WIP. Almost halfway through the latest round. It looks like I will be calling for beta readers after January 1st and will then allow until February 15th for comments. I always hate to rush beta readers. After the beta read comes the professional edit. I have made up my mind that this book will be launched in the spring. Probably in April or May.

Today’s JohnKu talks about the holidays and the spirit of the time. I hope you have an enjoyable weekend.

No matter the way,

We celebrate holidays . . .

The spirit’s the same.