Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #203 by Keith Channing

January 22, 2019January 21, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 61 Comments

In Keith’s words. “Using this photo 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.

“Captain Tom this is Houston.”

“Go ahead Houston.”

“Is this Captain Tom?”

“Excuse me but are you new to the team?”

“Yes. Why do you ask?”

“Do you know how many of us are here?”

“Where?”

“In outer space.”

“Well, I’m quite sure we are not alone if that’s what you mean.”

“Okay let me start over. You called for Captain Tom. I answered. You then asked if I were Captain Tom.”

“Yes so?”

“Who the heck do you think I am?”

“No need to be prickly. I was just following protocol.”

“I’m sitting in this cramped capsule which as far as I know is the only cramped capsule orbiting the Earth right now. You called me and then have the cheek to ask if I am Captain Tom.”

“I’m beginning to see your point. You are on a mission, and the only one on that mission, and I called you.”

“What does that tell you?”

“Since we are on the same frequency I would guess that you are Captain Tom.”

“So why did you ask? I know I’m making a mountain out of a hillock but with nothing else to do and it being so damn cold, I am curious.”

“That is an interesting saying you have there.”

“Which one.”

“Mountain out of a hillock.”

“Yeah, so?”

“The saying we have is “mountain out of a molehill.”‘

“For heaven’s sake. What’s the difference?”

“Also you mention the cold.”

“Yes, I did. It is freezing up here.”

“What have you done with Captain Tom?”

“Here we go again.”

“It would not be cold unless the integrity of the capsule has been compromised.”

“If that were to happen you would see it on the telemetry.”

“Unless someone knows how to intercept the signal. Now before I hit the abort button tell me what you did with Captain Tom.”

“I ate him.”

“What?”

“He was just too tempting. Like a sardine in a can. In case you wonder, he was delicious. Go ahead and abort. I’ll just be waiting up here for the next one. TTFN.”

“TTFN? Your call sign?”

“No. Ta Ta For Now. Zoraggeue out.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the First Publication of an American Novel in 1789

January 21, 2019January 20, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 58 Comments

This post continues the Top Ten Things Not to Do with a historical background. Today is the 230th anniversary of the publication of the first American novel. Its title was “Power of Sympathy,” and it was written by William Hill Brown. If you were there when this event happened, there are some things you should not have done. In case you have a time machine and plan to go here is a list of the Top Ten Things Not to Do to keep you out of trouble.

10 If you are there when published, do not complain about the nine shilling price. If you do, at best you’ll come off like a cheap skate. At worst, the publisher will take your name and vow never to publish anything you write. (I guess you can take this guy off your query list, Gael. Of course, you never got a response to the ten you did send already.)

9 If you are there when published, do not try to take more than one bookmark being handed out by Tiny the WWF champ. If you do, at best Tiny will merely take the extra back, At worst, Tiny, who has just been expelled from empathy school, will assume you are challenging his authority, (Looks like it is time to head for the door, Gino)

8 If you are there when published, do not wear your I love New York t-shirt. If you do, at best no one will notice. At worst, since the book was published in Boston, you might have to deal with rabid Bostonians who hate New York for whatever reason. (Don’t try to write it off as loyal Red Sox fans, Griffith. Baseball is still not played. The first game was in 1846 fifty-seven years from now.)

7 If you were there when published, do not write a review before you have read the book. If you do, at best no one will read it. At worst, the author will have his second call upon you. (The subject at hand is a duel, Gabian. I hope you know your way around flintlock dueling pistols.)

6 If you were there when published, do not ask when the Kindle edition will be available. If you do, at best you’ll get puzzled looks. At worst, once you explain the Kindle, you’ll be spending some quality time in the stocks. (They don’t exactly believe in witches, Gadhi, but you are as close to one as they can imagine. Look forward to some moments of panic in the dunking chair. I would just tell them you are a witch.)

5 If you are there when published, do not say to the author that you are thinking of writing a book as well. If you do, at best he’ll just laugh. At worst, you’ll experience the weightlessness that comes from falling through a trap door leading to the swamp. ( Now you know why the author stood in that one location with his arm resting on a lever, Gaelan. Authors hate it when folks think writing a book is so damn easy.)

4 If you are there when published, do not ask for an author autograph on anything but the book. If you do, at best he might sign your paper with the name of his carriage driver. At worst, the people behind you who are holding a book will shame you into a purchase. (By shame we are talking about that musket in your face, Gairbhith. These people really love the author)

3 If you are there when published, do not ask the author if he has been thinking of getting a real job. If you do, at best you will be shown the door. At worst, you will have asked the question that the author’s spouse asked over breakfast this morning. (This seems to be a sore spot with the author, Galeun. Time to think of a graceful way to get out fast.)

2 If you are there when published, do not ask the author when his next book is coming out. If you do, at best the author has another book coming out. At worst, the author has a bad case of writer’s block and is near insanity with worry. (Yes he is holding the cleaver that used to be on the sideboard, Galton. Yes, he has a fiery look in his eye. Yes, he is coming for you.)

1 If you are there when published, do not suggest a plot that you believe the writer will want to write. If you do, at best you will get a kind smile. At worst, the author, having heard ten other plot ideas already today, will walk away. (I wouldn’t call it rude, Galyn. I would call it your life-saving technique.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Bollard People

January 20, 2019January 19, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 63 Comments

Last year I featured the bollard in Port Aransas being covered by crochet wraps. There were about thirty the previous year and more than one hundred and thirty this year. The creator of this display is Diana Vondra and a host of helpers. They are being called the “Bollard People for reasons you will see in a moment. There are some photos, and I could not put them all in this post. Also, the sun was at an Eastern angle so for you to see the faces I had to manipulate the photos a little.

Here’s one that looks like a superhero.

This is a view of the way they look when you drive up.

Another shot of a group of them.

Wise one.

Pink.

Looks like an ode to Saturday morning.

Mama in her curlers.

Delighted.

Dignified.

Lost.

Happy.

An author I’ll wager.

Hates to wear glasses.

“May I take your order?”

“Put all the money in this bag.”

Frosty’s youngster.

The sister.

Do Bee.

Ladybug.

Grandma.

Of course, they are from Minnesota.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Television”

January 19, 2019January 18, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 41 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday and this weeks prompt is ‘television.” Linda Hil says we can write about our favorite programs of about the apparatus itself. If you would like to join in on this mind-bender visit Linda’s blog and read how. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder for #SoCS & #JusJoJan 2019 Daily Prompt – Jan. 19th

“What is all this?”

“What does it look like?”

“Like someone put a bomb in the TV, and it went off.”

“I guess to the untrained eye it would look like a mess.”

“I know messes. Don’t tell me you are taking the TV apart?”

“I’m not taking it apart. I already took it apart.”

“Why in heaven’s name would you do that?”

“Didn’t you see that fuzzy picture last night?”

“Fuzzy picture?”

“Yeah during NCIS there was a blur through the wold show.”

“I have to say I didn’t notice it.”

“I don’t know how that’s possible. There were two Jethros. It even got worse towards the end.”

“I’m surprised you didn’t say anything.”

“I thought I said ‘Look at that picture.'”

“You said that when the good-looking wife of the murdered guy came on. I thought you were talking about her.”

“And you saw nothing unusual?”

“Nope. Now tell me how you are going to get all this back together again.”

“In the reverse order that I took it out.”

“Nice joke Mr. Wizzard. By the way, where did all those beer cans in recycling come from?

“What do you mean, ‘All those.”‘

“There are six cans in there.”

“I guess I drank them.”

“You guess?”

“Well, I sort of lost count.”

“You wonder why the picture was fuzzy huh?”

“Give me a hand here.”

“What can I do?”

“Lift the other side of the set and help me get it to the trash.”

“Learned anything?”

“Yeah. Number the beer cans.”

“What about the television.”

“We should read more.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA TGIF

January 18, 2019January 17, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 40 Comments

“Hey, Dad. It’s Friday. How about a toss?”

Friday has come again. YAY. It looks like everyone is going to share in the cold front moving from the Northwest. Temps are going down and snow possibilities going up. This always reminds us that winter is still with us. Somehow we seem to forget that little fact. Sure, there is a lovely day here and there. Just enough to make us believe we will have an early spring. My advice is to not fall for it. Only assume it will be cold until April and your mind will rest easier. Like a free lunch, there is no such thing as an early Spring.

Today’s JohnKu talks about Winter. By the way, the term JohnKu was coined a few years ago by Kimberly at https://words4jp.com/ She is a poet, and when I started doing my version of a Haiku, she suggested delicately that maybe what I was doing was a JohnKu more than a classic Haiku. Ever since then I have been grateful for the suggestion. Kimberly is now back to blogging and certainly worth a visit.

A Robin arrives,

Our heart soars thinking its Spring . . .

Twelve degrees tonight.

Have a great weekend.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Lucy at Play

January 17, 2019January 16, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

Lucy, Lucy, Lucy. Play with me.

Sure Little One. What do you want to play?

“I thought about ball, but then maybe tag would be fun.”

“How about flag football with my ears as the flags?”

“Oh, you silly. You know you don’t want to do that.”

“Then quit grabbing my ears.”

“Okay. How about I tag you on the chin?”

“I guess that would work okay.”

“Better yet how about ball after all?”

“Can I sit here while you run around with it?”

“You are kidding right?”

“Yes, potato, I’m kidding.”

“Okay. How about I give you a head start, and I’m it?”

“How about we go in and have a big drink?”

“You know, Lucy. That sounds like the best idea of all.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA Hump Day

January 16, 2019January 15, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 52 Comments

It is Wednesday Story Day again and last week the hair on our neck went up as Cortez seemed to pull a Jeckle and Hyde personality change. It looked like he took an exception to Larry’s declaration that the device worked when Cortez said it didn’t. Larry and Andrew left Cortez’s office as fast as they could and hot-footed it back to the police building. Let’s get there too and see what the guys think about the visit with Cortez.

“Holy shit. That guy just threatened us.”

“Calm down Larry. He is a cartel head. You don’t go calling him a liar.”

“I didn’t call him a liar.”

“I think he thought you did.”

“When?”

“Remember when he told you the device didn’t work?”

“Yeah, of course.”

“Then you told him you had information that it did work.”

“That was the truth.”

“But do you think he wanted to hear the truth and especially if he just told you the exact opposite.”

“What if I told you I did that on purpose?”

“I would think you have lost your mind.”

“Well, I wanted to see if I could get a rise out of him.”

“You certainly did that, my friend. Now that you have taken a stick to the hornet’s nest, what are you going to do?”

“He doesn’t have the guts to come after police officers.”

“I wouldn’t stake my life on that.”

“The point is. That bastard didn’t pay Louis just because he didn’t want to do it.”

“And your point is?”

“I think he killed Sandusky.”

“You have no proof.”

“We can get the proof. All we have to do is find someone who really knows what went on.”

“Sometimes I’m amazed by your brilliance.”

“Why thank you.”

“This is not one of those times.”

“What do you mean?”

“How are you going to penetrate that mob and once you do, how are you going to get someone to rat out Cortez?”

“I think you have stated the objective very well. I must confess I don’t have all the details worked out as yet.”

“You might as well consider one other problem while you are working on your plan.”

“What would that be?”

“How to stay alive.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 202

January 15, 2019January 14, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 36 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.

“Where are we going?”

“It is a surprise. Just dress warmly.”

“Come on. Tell me where we are going.”

“If I tell you, then it won’t be a surprise.”

“Where is it written that I need to be surprised.”

“I think it would be fun is all.”

“Give me a hint.”

“Okay. We are going to the beach.”

“The beach? Are you crazy? It’s got to be twenty degrees out there.”

“I know that’s the fun of it. Who goes to the beach in the winter?”

“That statement makes me think you haven’t thought this through.”

“First of all, there will be no crowds.”

“I’ll give you that.”

“Secondly there is something big there that I want you to see.”

“Like what?”

“Okay. Since you are so insistent. It’s a sand castle.”

“You’re kidding right?”

“No. I’m serious.”

“This is the biggest sand castle in the world. It’s a wonder.”

“Can I wait until spring?”

“It won’t be there in the spring.”

“You sure there will be no crowds?”

“I guarantee it.”

“Can we go inside.”

“Yup. There’s coffee too.”

“Sold.”

“You’ll love it.”

Voyage of the Lanternfish – A Visit by Craig Boyack

January 14, 2019January 13, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 75 Comments

Normally today would be a Top Ten Things Not to Do post. Because of the launch of his new book, I decided to invite Craig Boyack to the post to tell you all about it. I have read a number of Craig’s books and loved them all. I have not read Voyage of the Lanternfish but have a belief that it will be terrific based on the others. The top Ten will return next week. The post is all yours Craig.

Thanks for inviting me over, John. I’m here to talk about my new book, Voyage of the Lanternfish. This one is a pirate fantasy and includes magic and monsters.

Lanternfish had one of those magical things happen as I was drafting it. An unexpected theme revealed itself, but not intentionally. Drafting a story is my favorite part because sometimes, things you didn’t plot out influence the story in a small way.

Fatherhood is not intended to be a huge, beating drum in this tale. It’s more of a subtle undertone.

James is my main character. His father was a covert operative, who helped start a war among multiple kingdoms. During the war, he fled in the middle of the night to get his son away from all this.

The lessons were available, but sons rarely put stock in the stories told by parents. Now James is forced into a position much like his father’s, but without the knowledge his old man had.

Dan is another major character, but his father is still alive. If James and Dan succeed at starting this new war, his father will be living on one of the future battlefields.

Mule is a secondary character who shows up later in the book. He leaves his parents, who were quite remarkable. They had much to offer a boy, but he didn’t pay as much attention as he could have. This gives James a chance to become a surrogate father.

Mal is an older character and occasionally gives some fatherly advice. It’s small, but it’s there.

There is a collective knowledge base, one generation away, that could help the pirates immensely, had they paid more attention. Now they have to forge their own way, which is only correct for a story.

I included a bit of dialog about fathers, and missing knowledge, but didn’t go over the top with it. They don’t have much time to lament their formative years and have to get on with the bloody business at hand.

James’ father worked on the land, but he used his small fortune to get James a respectable job in the merchant fleet. James tries to do what his father did for a while, then decides his value is at sea. After all, wars happen at sea too, and perhaps they can start one this way.

I know a good many people who read this will be authors themselves. Have you ever had a sub-plot spring to life during the drafting of your tale? I’d love to hear about it.

***

Blurb:

An honorable man is mistaken for his disreputable father. Now he’s pushed into a political scheme to start a war that will spread across multiple kingdoms. James Cuttler’s fiancé is being held captive to ensure he goes through with the plan.

He soon decides his skills are at sea and procures a ship to wage war upon those who disrupted his simple life. He can’t do it alone, so he recruits a band of cutthroats to help him. But first, they need guns and munitions to outfit the ship properly. Deception and trickery will only get them so far. Eventually, they’re going to have to engage the enemy.

James’ goals aren’t necessarily the same as his crew. It’s a delicate balancing act to collect enough loot to keep his crew happy while guiding them back to rescue the girl.

Voyage of the Lanternfish is filled with adventure, magic, and monsters. Lots of monsters. Hoist the colors and come along for the ride.

Purchase Link: http://a-fwd.com/asin-com=B07MP8V633

Bio:

I was born in a town called Elko, Nevada. I like to tell everyone I was born in a small town in the 1940s. I’m not quite that old, but Elko has always been a little behind the times. This gives me a unique perspective of earlier times, and other ways of getting by. Some of this bleeds through into my fiction.

I moved to Idaho right after the turn of the century and never looked back. My writing career was born here, with access to other writers and critique groups I jumped in with both feet.

I like to write about things that have something unusual. My works are in the realm of science fiction, paranormal, and fantasy. The goal is to entertain you for a few hours. I hope you enjoy the ride.

Craig

Views of the Neighborhood. The Birding Center is Being Rebuilt

January 13, 2019January 12, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 56 Comments

I was pleasantly surprised to read that the repairs to Birding Center had begun.

As a reminder, this is what the center looked like after Hurricane Harvey.

Another shot.

A whole new boardwalk is being installed. My understanding the cost will be North of $600,000.00

The old boardwalk went straight out into the lagoon. The new is making an extreme left-hand turn

It continues along the shore for quite a ways. I hear it will then turn right and go into the lagoon.

I took a shot of some pink spoonbills to the right. Too bad I’m so far away.

I have passed this sign before and wanted to let you know the different kinds of birds that make this area their home. Thanks for coming along. I’ll do a return visit when it is finished. I think it is going to be something.