Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Oh”

October 19, 2019October 18, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 40 Comments

Oh, my goodness, it is Stream of Consciousness Saturday again, and this week’s prompt is “oh.” It has been so much easier to let Linda Hill explain the prompt, so here are her words.

“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “oh.” Use it as a word or find a word that starts with “oh.” Bonus points if you start and end with “oh.” Enjoy!”

Now you can see why I started the post with “oh.” I’m saving up for a Bentley Turbo Convertable, and I’m pretty close. The bonus points from this post should put me over. If you would like to participate in the fun, go to Linda’s blog and read how easy it is to accumulate bonus points. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Oct. 19/19

“Oh, what a beautiful morning. Oh, what a beautiful day. I have a wonderful feeling everything’s going my way.”

“I guess it’s Saturday.”

“How did you know other than the obvious of knowing where you are which with you is sketchy at best.”

“You are using a prompt word, I’m sure. I can always tell when you break into song. What show is that song in?”

“Oklahoma. Premiered on Broadway in 1943.”

“They made a movie of it too, didn’t they?”

“Yeah, in 1955.”

“So what does this have to do with Stream of Consciousness Saturday.”

“Oh, we are supposed to come up with using oh or a word that starts with oh.”

“Oh. What the heck words start with, oh?”

“Ohmmeter is one.”

“Yeah, you can build a story around that, I’m sure. Any more?”

“All obscure. Nothing to work with.”

So you are going with Beautiful Morning,?”

“Oh, yes, I am.”

“How about Ohio. You could talk endlessly about that.”

“Yeah, I could. The state, Ohio. The greeting in Japanese, Ohio.”

“Not to mention the Ohio River.”

“You know what?”

“What?”

“We should quit now and get a beer.”

“Yeah, what beer?”

“Oh-J double IPA from Portland, Maine.”

“You looked that up, didn’t you?”

“Oh, my. Trapped like a rat.”

“Dishonest rat at that.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA- TGIF

October 18, 2019October 17, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 58 Comments

“It’s Friday, Boss.”
“Yeah, time for pizza.”

Friday has arrived as it does each week typically. The prospect of spending a couple of days catching our breath makes Friday a particular day. I used to call it Saturday eve when I was a prisoner of organized commerce. Friday was the day to put on casual clothes and take a little extra time at lunch. Friday was also the day when company re-organizations would take place and thus became a “day of the long knives.” Even if this were the case, Friday was also the day the eagle pooped. Yeah, payday. Payday was a cause to stop after work for a couple of drinks and to celebrate making it another week, bi-week or in the old days, month.

I once asked one of my co-workers if he would like to stop after work for a couple of drinks. He said, “If I can only have a couple, then no.” He was one of those funny guys that every office has on hand.

This week was more editing on the WIP. As I was working, it became apparent to me that my deadline was in serious jeopardy. I had planned to have the MS into my editor’s hands by early November. This would have included beta reader input.

I find that my second draft is taking me longer. I did beg my editor for more time since I hate to send her an MS that isn’t as complete as I can make it. The beta read part of that is essential. If I sent it without input from beta readers, then there would be a chance of another rewrite, which would then be a waste of the editor’s time. So I pushed the launch and will be ready to solicit beta readers shortly. (My editor is an angel) If you would like to read the book, I will be posting an invitation separately.

Today’s JohnKu celebrates the weekend. I hope you have a good one.

It was a hard one,

Now that the week is over. . .

Time to celebrate.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy’s New Toy

October 17, 2019October 16, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 86 Comments

“So Twiggy. What do you have there?”

“A new toy.”

“Geez. I wonder where mine is?”

“You can play with mine.”

“I don’t know. It doesn’t look big enough for two.”

“No, it’s not. But we can take turns.”

“Yeah, I think that would work.”

“Its name is Starfish. It has a squeaker too.”

“Okay, now it’s your turn.”

“You sure?”

“Sure, I’m sure. You go ahead. Take it for a ride.”

“You know this is my nap time.”

“Yeah, I didn’t pay attention to the time.”

” How about you play with it for a while? I’ll call you.”

Okay then, Lucy. You have a nice nap, and I’ll go play.”

“Uh-huh. Good deal. Snozzzzzzz.”

🎶”Twinkle, twinkle little star. How I wonder what you are.”🎶

🎶”Laying in the sea so low. Watching the tides come and go.”🎶

🎶”I think you would rather be. With your pals in the deep blue sea.”🎶

“Twiggy?”

“Yes, Lucy.”

“I would leave the singing to Taylor Swift.”

“Hedgehog likes it.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

October 16, 2019October 15, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

Twiggy and Lucy — “Think it’s Friday yet, Lucy?”
“Hit the snooze. It’s just Wednesday.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week, Larry and Andrew had a bizarre meeting with the Assistant DA Taggert. He apologized for treating our heroes like criminals, gave Larry back his gun, and then more or less left them to fend for themselves. Well, I see that they are in the car so let’s go and maybe we can collect some intel.

“So, you had a question while we were in Taggert’s office?”

“I did, Larry.”

“Let’s have it.”

“Don’t you think that guy was a little too casual with us.”

“What do you mean?”

“He strolls into his office, says an ‘I’m sorry,’ and then shoos us on our way.”

“Well, what’s you expect a cake or something?”

“No, but I thought he would give us some specific help. You know, like, ‘Let me get a couple of officers to help you in your investigation,’ kind of help.”

“You expect too much out of people. He was just glad to have us out of his office.”

“I hope that is all it was.”

“You worry too much. Here we are at the Hyatt.”

“I know I worry too much, but I can’t help it. Okay, what’s the plan here?”

“We go inside and ask to speak to the manager. We lay. The search warrant on him and then ask to see the registration records.”

“Sounds pretty straightforward to me. Let’s go.”

“Let me do the talking.”

“Always do. That’s how we get into trouble.”

“Yeah, very funny. Let’s go to the front desk over there.”

“Lead on my liege.”

“Yes, sir, how can I help you?”

“We would like to speak with the manager of the hotel.”

“Is there a problem, sir?”

“No problem, and I would appreciate your help in having the manager step out here. I’m a detective with the Boston Police department on official business. Here are my credentials.”

“Yes, sir. One moment sir.”

“Way to go on the Bogart, Larry.”

“I don’t need to waste words on a front desk clerk, Andrew. Here comes someone who looks like they are going to be a pain in the ass.”

“Be nice, Larry.”

“Yes, sir. My name is Wentworth, and I’m the senior manager. What seems to be the problem?”

“There is no problem, Wentworth. We just need to see some registration records.”

“Well sir I’m sorry, but registration records are confidential¾”

“I don’t mean to interrupt, Wentworth, but this warrant says otherwise.”

“Hmmm. I see this warrant authorizes a Detective Dunfee to view the registration records any time before eight Pm tonight.”

“Correct. So let’s go to where ever the records are and take a look.”

“Are you Detective Dunfee?”

“Yes, I am. Here are my credentials.”

“Yes, sir. Can you wait a minute? I will need to counsel with our attorney.”

“What do you mean by a minute? I would hate to see you in contempt of that order.”

“I just need to make a phone call. It shouldn’t take more than five minutes. In the meantime, may I offer you some coffee?”

“I would love a coffee.”

“Very well. Let’s go to our executive office. We have coffee there. I will excuse myself and make the call from my office.”

“That’s fine. Lead the way.”

“Yes, sir. Right, this way. It is a short walk down the hall.”

“Larry, a word?”

“Yes, Andrew? Uh, Wentworth. Could you give us a minute?”

“Yes, sir. I go to the executive office door and wait for you.”

“What is it, Andrew?”

“This guy could drag his feet and take it beyond the eight o’clock cut off.”

“Yeah, I know. Don’t worry. We have served the warrant. If he delays too long, I’m sure we can threaten obstruction of justice of something. I may even pull my gun. I’m getting pretty sick of these runarounds. Thanks for the warning, though. Let’s catch up to old Wentworth and have a nice cup of joe.”

“Good idea. And Larry?”

“What, Andrew?”

“Thanks for listening. You’ve been a peach.”

“Might not last, but I appreciate your counsel.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #233 by Keith Channing

October 15, 2019October 14, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 51 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

“What was that?”

“What?”

“That noise.”

I didn’t hear anything.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me. Sounded like a bomb went off.”

“There are no bombs around here.”

“Okay, maybe not a bomb but an explosion at the very least.”

“Okay, I’ll get up and investigate. Turn on the light will ya?”

“There. Watch those stairs.”

“I’m going to look out the bathroom window. I’m not going downstairs.”

“What do you see?”

“Looks like the neighbors behind us are having a barbeque.”

“What do you mean? Its five o’clock in the morning. Come back in here.”

“I’m just saying they have the whole sky lit up with their fire.”

“Let me have a look. I’ll be right back.”

“You’ll see.”

“Goodness. I think they have the whole neighborhood on fire.”

“Must be expecting a pretty big turnout.”

“We have to do something.”

“Like what?”

“Call the police or fire department.”

“I think you are right. Serves em right for not inviting us to the party. I wonder what they were going to serve. Brisket I’m guessing.”

“The fire department is on its way.”

“I’ll bet they would have had sweet corn too.”

“Will you please stop.”

“And ice-cold beer.”

“I don’t think it was a party.”

“You are just saying that since we weren’t invited.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Laying of the White House Cornerstone in 1792

October 14, 2019October 20, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

Yes, this week marks the anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone of the White House by George Washington in 1792. I’m sure you want to be there, but before you go, take this list and maybe avoid making social or time travel mistakes.

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Laying of the Cornerstone of the White House in 1792

10 If you go to the cornerstone laying, do not think the silver trowel is a souvenir. If you do, at best, a kindly George Washington will ask you to put it back. At worst, the Navy men in attendance who are also celebrating the founding of the Navy will help you put it back. (It seems as if those Navy boys have had a little too much rum, Jakome. They are serious about your yardarm swing.)

9 If you go to the cornerstone laying, do not sit in Tiny the WWF champ’s seat. If you do, at best, he will find another. At worst, Tiny, who missed his Anger Management support group that morning, will not be able to control himself. (If you can hold on for another minute, Jalen, Tiny will grow tired of spinning you around above his head. Of course, your landing after that helicopter experience might be a little rough.)

8 If you go to the cornerstone laying, do not carry a sign that says, “Federalists Suck.” If you do, at best, the Federalists will think you are joking. At worst, It will be assumed that you do not support the constitution. ( You’ve done it now, Jamael. You have all those burley revolutionary veterans ready to run you out of town. )

7 If you go to the cornerstone laying, do not ask Alexander Hamilton for tickets to his show. If you do, at best, he’ll wonder what show? At worst, he’ll have Aaron Burr meet you at dawn. ( Do not go through with the duel, Jamison. That guy knows his way around a flintlock. I’ll bet you have much to learn.)

6 If you go to the cornerstone laying, do not ask Washington what he thinks of “the wall.” If you do, at best, he’ll talk about clearing rocks out of the fields at Mount Vernon. At worst, when you describe what you are asking, he will have you committed. (You knew that that was a non-subject, Jamshid. Gotta wonder why you would go there?)

5 If you go to the cornerstone laying, do not expect to find a Starbucks right next door. If you do, at best you can handle disappointment. At worst, your caffeine cravings will get the best of you. (There was no reason to yell at that sweet old lady when she couldn’t tell you where the nearest Starbucks was, Jantzen. Now you have that big soldier over there looking crossly at you.)

4 If you go to the cornerstone laying, do not ask for directions to the Washington monument. If you do, at best, someone will point to George. At worst, whoever you ask will begin to suspect you are not from around there. (Since the monument was not started until 1848, Janyd, you are going to gather a crowd who may not like your story of time travel.)

3 If you go to the cornerstone laying, do not ask about the Secret Service protecting the President. If you do, at best, no one will care. At worst, you might be asked why you think the President needs protecting? (Since the Secret Service was not established until 1865, Japhet those police officers are wondering why you are so concerned. Maybe time to leave.)

2 If you go to the cornerstone laying, do not ask the architect why he forgot a fence? If you do, at best he’ll tell you there is no need since the President doesn’t keep cows. At worst, the idea will get passed around, and someone will suggest one be put in. (In effect you caused a time tear, Jarah since Thomas Jefferson helped build one in 1801)

1 If you go to the cornerstone laying, do not offer to help carry the stone. If you do, at best, it will arrive in one piece. At worst, it was a little heavier than you thought, and now it is laying in two chunks on the ground. (Yeah, I would say it is time to run not walk to the time machine, Jari. I think your work is done here plus there about 200folks who would love to wring your neck.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Fall Festival

October 13, 2019October 12, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

Last weekend was the Fall Fest at Emmaus Catholic Parish. The fest is a major fundraiser for the Parish. I stopped by and was amazed at everything that was going on. I thought you would enjoy seeing it as well. This post has way too many photos, but this is a fraction of those I took. I hope you enjoy it.

A nod to the fact that fall is approaching

Vendor booths. (Should have set up my book stand.)

Games required tickets to play.

The Wine wheel was popular, as was the cake wheel.

A Pot of gold is like a bean bag toss.

Putting contest.

The street of games and vendors and a nun.

The Bookmobile. (YAY)

Some games weren’t too popular like the broom race.

and the Flamingo toss.

The burger truck.

I thought it was pretty funny to have no parking signs except for Sunday. I’m wondering about who would want to park there the rest of the week.

A fun Tejano band.

Yeah, I’ll have a double-double chocolate shake with whipped cream on top and hurry please. (The producer is somewhere else)

Shave ice.

Hot dog truck.

Train ride.

Slide.

Bouncy Castle.

And a petting zoo. There were all kinds of animals, but I thought this calf was very cute.

I hope you enjoyed the Fall Fest today.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Ground

October 12, 2019October 12, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 63 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. Here is the prompt, as explained by Linda Hill. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “ground.” Use it as a noun or a verb in any tense (i.e., grind). Have fun!” Okay, so there you have it. If you would like to join in on this fun, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Oct. 12/19

“So, it is Saturday.”

“Yeah. So what?”

“Well, aren’t you twisted around the axle trying to come up with a Stream of Consciousness post?”

“No, I have already finished it.”

“You’re kidding?”

“Nope. Want to hear part?”

“Do I get anything for listening?”

“Sure, the joy of new knowledge.”

“I was thinking more about the joy of freshly brewed barley and hops.”

“Yeah, of course, you were. so here goes. ‘There I was standing on the ground when all to sudden—'”

“Hold it.”

“What?”

“All to sudden?”

“What’s wrong with that?”

“It should be ‘all of a sudden.”‘

“This is a country story. People talk differently.”

“Yeah, okay. Proceed.”

“Okay. ‘All to sudden, a giant bar comes out of the woods and sits down. I grabs my trusty musket and shimmies up a tree. From up there, I could safely stand my ground should that bar decide to attack.’ How’s it sound so far?”

“You want to really know?”

“Yeah. That’s why I asked.”

“Where is this story going?”

“Well, the guy up the tree decides that the bear means him no harm, so he comes down and offers the bear a cup of coffee. The bear happens to be a Starbucks regular and asks the man, “I would like a cup if you have a Sumatra Bold regular grind.” The guy is dumbfounded since all he has is a French Roast fine grind. He tells the bear about the ground coffee, and the bear takes a swipe and knocks him to the ground. The guy looks up at the bear and asks, ‘Why’d you do that?’ The bear tells him that if he is going to offer coffee, at least he should be prepared to provide what the customer wants. The bear roars and then says, ‘Fine grind is not what the customer wants.’ The man offers to go to Starbucks and get the bear his order. The bear agrees and asks for a blueberry scone as well. It ends with the bear and guy enjoying their coffee.”

“So the guy escapes and goes to Starbucks and then comes back?”

“Well, yeah. How else could I finish the story?”

“I think it was finished at the phrase, ‘All to sudden.”‘

“That’s harsh.”

“Truth hurts.”

“So does this ball bat.”

“You might hit a ground ball.”

“Or an airhead.”

“How about a beer.”

“You buying?”

“If you put that bat down.”

“It’s on the ground. Let’s go.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

October 11, 2019October 10, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 71 Comments

“Lucy. Time to get up.”
“Ummm What?”
“It’s Friday. Time to celebrate the weekend.”
“Last time I looked Little One every day is the weekend.”

What a week. It seemed to go pretty fast. I don’t want anyone wishing their life away, but I hope it moved quickly for you as well.

I started editing my WIP on Monday and was pleasantly surprised that the story still looked good to me. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I go back to things I’ve written, and they look like something that requires some starter and a match. I’m glad this one has salvageable parts.

I was delighted to get an excellent Circumstances of Childhood review on Thursday from Kevin Cooper. If you missed it, you could go HERE

I was also a guest of Teri Polen’s Bad Moon Rising. She asks some outstanding questions, and it is always a fun time. You could go HERE as well if you missed it.

I certainly want to thank Kevin and Teri and all of you who visited the posts. Thank you.

Today’s John Ku talks about encouragement from others. I hope you all have a fabulous weekend. We are looking for temperatures in the 70s Whoo-Whoo.

Writers work alone,

We struggle with our own ghosts. . .

Comments make our day.