Views of the Neighborhood – Island Holiday Market

December 3, 2017December 3, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 54 Comments

Yesterday the Island Holiday Market took place at the newly spruced-up Art Center. The idea is for local artists to have a venue to offer their art. The holiday season is a perfect time and the New Art Center the perfect location.

The outside porch is filled with gift opportunities.

Inside are a number of tables of artwork.

Another view of the tables and shoppers.

While taking photos, I came upon Jo Ann who told me a wonderful story about her grandson Gray. The family lives in Glen Rose, Texas which is near Fort Worth about 400 miles from Port Aransas. Gray loved to visit Port Aransas, and when he heard about the hurricane, he gathered together his ball card collection and offered to sell them to help. What transpired was the adoption of two fourth grade classes here in Port Aransas. Gray plans to have a gift for each child. His grandmother Jo Ann and his Aunt Tammy were in Port Aransas telling Gray’s story.

The card below explains this heartwarming story further, and I’m sure the fourth-grade children of Port Aransas will be happier as a result of Gray’s compassion.

At the same time, the Market was underway the grade sixth through twelve student art show which included entrants from Port Aransas, Flour Bluff, and Seashore Middle Academy were on display.

Here is a representative look at the entrants.

Another view of the competition.

One of the first place awards

Another first for a Ninth grader

A Seashore Academy

This was a second place but made me smile, so I put it in. The art produced by these students was inspiring. I hope you enjoyed the view this week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Cramp”

December 2, 2017December 1, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 41 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this week’s prompt is “cramp.” Linda Hill says we can use it any way we want. Other than the obvious I’m going to have to figure a different use. If you would like to be part of this joyous band please visit Linda’s blog and see how easy it is to lose your mind. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Dec. 2/17

“Attention students. Today we are going to be learning a few words that might be asked by the State Proficiency Test.”

“Teacher?”

“Yes, Johnny.”

“We’ve studied words for months. Why these new ones?”

“Excellent question, Jonny. The Board of Education heard that the state might throw in some different uses of words so we want to be ready. Here is the first word, cramp. Can anyone tell me what that means. Yes, Sally.”

“Cramp is a muscle seizure commonly associated with muscle fatigue or improper stretching.”

“Excellent Sally. Anyone else? Yes, Terrance. Tell us.”

“Cramp is a tightening of the muscles that could be brought on by cold weather or water.”

“Wonderful Terrance. Next? All right Patrice.”

“A cramp is a tool that is used in woodworking.”

“My goodness, Patrice. I’m amazed. Anyone else? Yes, Brad.”

“The word cramp could be used in place of the word restrict as in ‘higher interest rates could cramp housing market growth.”‘

“You are spot on Brad. You all have been marvelous in your knowledge of the word cramp. I think now it is time to introduce you to a few more meanings just in case. Here goes.

Cramp. When you are sent to a place in the summer and it sucks.

Cramp. When you get a gift from your grandfather and it sucks.

Cramp. When your brother or sister turns their music up too loud.

Cramp. When you are riding your bike or skateboard and you wipe out going up an incline for a jump.

Cramp.The sound of your answer when you are eating peanut butter and crackers and someone asks you a question.

Cramp. The wetness on your pants from the dew when you sit on the concrete stoop eating watermelon.

Cramp. What you do with M&Ms when you see your friend Joey down the block.

Cramp. The laud noise you make in the birthday jump house when it gets too crowed.

Cramp. The tightness of your fist when your sister or brother wants something you have.

Cramp. The sound a skydiver makes when he is sure he forgot a parachute. ”

“Mrs Thompson?”

“Yes, Darlene.”

“Are you putting us on?”

“Yes sweetheart I am. I just love the standardized test time and need to relax a little is all. I hope you all enjoyed these. Yes, Joey?”

“Will these be on the test?”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

December 1, 2017November 30, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 51 Comments

Another Friday is upon us and also the last month of 2017. I guess the all-time cliché would be the question, “Where did the time go?” Seriously though. It seems like well, yesterday that it was the new year. Here we are, now on the cusp of 2018. I’m telling you this ski ride downhill has got to be slowed down.

Spent the week in final edits on The Contract which is a collaboration with Gwen Plano.

We will be entering the beta reader stage but more about that early next week.

Today’s JohnKu talks to the fact that time seems to fly. I hope you have a great weekend.

Time flies so they say,

When you’re having fun, they say. . .

Time flies fun or not.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy and Bailey Go Out

November 30, 2017November 29, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 57 Comments

“John.”

“What Stella?”

“Do you see these two wolfhounds poised to devour my food?”

“Your bowl is on my books. Maybe they are thinking of reading.”

“Not even funny in your author world, John. How about getting these two outside.”

“Hey Pops. Check out Lucy.”

“What’s she doing?”

“Still trying to get the lizard.”

“Lucy, leave that lizard alone.

“Shush, Boss. I think I have him this time.”

“Right Lucy. I can see he has his eye on you.”

“Look, Boss. He’s running right to me.”

“Sure he is, Lucy.”

“Dagnabit, he took a left turn.”

“Boy I’ve never seen him do that before.”

“Okay, Boss I get it. flummoxed again.”

“Hey, Lucy. You get ’em?”

“You are quite the comedian Bailey.”

“Why don’t you two play in the yard. There will be another lizard later.”

“You think the Boss is losing it, Bailey?”

“I think ole Pops was trying to distract you with that lizard tale.”

“I guess you are right. I thought he didn’t know I knew there is a lizard every hour.”

“He knows.”

“Good. I would hate to think the old boy is slipping. What the heck are you doing?”

“My afternoon sun bath and back rub. This is a spa after all.”

“I dunno. I think y’all are starting to unravel. Oh well, it is still a happy place and the sun feels good.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

November 29, 2017November 28, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 41 Comments

Welcome to Wednesday Story day. Last week we saw Harriet Murphy get pretty annoyed at Frank Plano, the private eye. He was making some allegations about a cover-up in the murder of Lucas’ parents. Harriet asked him to leave which raises all kinds of questions about why she is so touchy. I see a young woman heading into Lucas’ room at the hospital. I think we better get over there since I have no idea who it is. It may be an old girlfriend of Lucas.

“Hello, Lucas.”
“My gosh, Trish. Where have you been?”
“It’s a long story, Lucas. How are you doing?”
“I’m on the mend sis, but I have been so worried about you.”
“I could tell when you left me for dead.”
“I’m so sorry. I really thought you had hit your head so hard you were gone.”
“I can understand that Lucas but why run away?”
“Please forgive me. I panicked and didn’t want to be accused of killing you.”
“Well lucky for me, I had some pretty good care. I didn’t tell anyone who I was and when it came time, I made my escape.”
“Where did you go?”
“I took off to Florida. I needed time to recover. I found a nice guy there, and he took care of me.”
“What made you come back?”
“I ran into a person who said he was a private detective and told me you were in the hospital.”
“Private detective?”
“Yeah. He said he was working for your lawyer.”
“Oh, I get it now. How did the detective find you?”
“I have no idea. I was having a coffee with the guy I mentioned, and he sat at our table and started talking.”
“Wow. That detective is good. Did he tell you the police have been looking for you?”
“No. he gave me the name of the hospital and suggested I come see you. Me? Why are the police looking for me?”
“When you went missing they are assuming you were done in.”
“How did they come to that conclusion?”
“I think your pharmacist buddy in Kenosha may have dropped some kind of hint to the local sheriff. The sheriff thinks I killed mom and dad and you.”
“Man, that is messed up. I’ll just go tell him I’m okay.”
“He thinks I did it for the insurance.”
“That’s stupid. Wait, what insurance?”
“Mom and dad left us each some money. Yours is still with the insurance company.”
“Ah. Makes sense. I can’t imagine anyone would think you killed me for such a pittance.”
“Five million.”
“What do you mean five million.”
“That’s your share.”
“What? You have to be kidding me. Where did our parents get five million?”
“Ten million. I already got my five.”
“Okay then. Where the hell did our parents get the money to take out a policy worth ten million.”
“Good question, sis. It was all paid up and named you and I. There has to be one naming the survivor of the two of them and a will. So far no paperwork has been found.”
“You think someone killed them for their money.”
“I do. We need to find out where the money went and at the end of that trail I’ll bet we have a murderer.”
“All I can say is, wow.”
“Indeed.”

Tuesday – Any Thing Possible – Kreative Kue #150 by Keith Channing

November 28, 2017November 27, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 44 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 keith@channing.info 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 – pingbacks don’t often work.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.

The Photo.

“Can’t you hear my heartbeat?”

“Excuse me. I didn’t hear what you said.”

“Oh, it was just a lyric to a song.”

“It sounded nice. Say it again.”

“When I feel you put your arms around me
Baby, baby, can’t you hear my heartbeat?”

“My goodness that sounds rather sexy.”

“When you move up closer to me
I get a feelin’ that’s ooo-wee.”

“So where did you hear this song?”

“It was on the radio this morning.”

“This morning and you still remember it?”

“Get real. Of course. I remember it.”

“Do you remember any more of it?”

“Can’t you hear the poundin’ of my heartbeat
’cause you’re the one I love, you’re the one I love.”

“Oh, that is so nice. How about you and I going out?”

“Hey boy. Have you forgotten where you are?”

“I don’t think so. Why.”

“We are kids for heaven’s sake. We can’t go out.”

“But you said you loved me.”

“It’s just a song. Besides we are supposed to be undercover. How would it look if we went on a date?”

“Who would know. It’s not like we would make out or anything.”

“I’m not so sure about you. Besides our orders are clear. Lay low and be children and wait for the rest of the invaders.”

“I know, I know. I just thought we had something that’s all.”

“Try to remember the mission and keep dancing Zogtool.”

“Hey, only my friends get to call me Zogtool.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Tell it to the Galactic troopers.”

“Ah, your mother wears anti-gravity boots.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do While Decorating the House for the Holidays

November 27, 2017November 26, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 76 Comments

The inspiration for this list came naturally from having decorated a number of houses over the years. I guess I could be guilty of some of these, but not all. I hope you enjoy.

10 If you are decorating your house for the holidays, do not ignore the number of lights on a continuous string instruction on the lights. If you do, at best you will trip a circuit breaker. At worst, you may take down the Eastern seaboard grid. (Who’s going to pay that bill, Caelan? Don’t forget the lawsuits that range anywhere from unwanted pregnancy to being trapped in an elevator.)

9 If you are decorating your house for the holidays, do not hire unlicensed contractors especially if they are named Tiny the WWF champ who just got out of confined anger management care. If you do, at best you may get off with a broken window or two. At worst, you may find your lights wadded in a ball in your neighbors living room. (How were you to know your neighbor would yell at Tiny and tell him to turn down the rap music, Cane? Also, how would you know Tiny would jump through your neighbor’s roof and take out a floor and ceiling on his way to the living room. The big question to be answered now is where is Tiny and your neighbor?)

8 If you are decorating your house for the holidays, do not use the twenty-four-foot ladder to reach the peak of the roof. If you do, at best you’ll be stopped by someone who loves you. At worst, you’ll plant that corner star just before your free fall to eternity. (Man. that was a mammoth first step down, wasn’t it Calder?)

7 If you are decorating your house for the holidays, do not think all garland is alike. If you do, at best you’ll have a mismatched mess. At worst, just as you finish with the final strand and just before frostbite sets in you will be told to change it. (You had the courage to go up on that ladder once huh, Caly? How about now?)

6 If you are decorating your house for the holidays, do not think you must out decorate your neighbor. If you do, at best you’ll end up spending too much money. At worst your neighbor increased his light and display capability last year when all the decorations were seventy percent off. (He has way too much stuff for you to finish on top, Carlton. You may take a lesson and wait for the sale and catch him next year.”

5 If you are decorating your house for the holidays, do not think everyone in the neighborhood likes all green lights. If you do, at best there will be no comments. At worst, you will find a picture of your house on Facebook with the caption, “The most non-original decoration on the planet.” (Kinda hurts your feelings doesn’t it, Cartland? Green is your favorite color.)

4 If you are decorating your house for the holidays, do not forget to fasten the decorations well. If you do, at best there will be no wind. At worst, your decorations will be at the mercy of the nighttime winter winds. (It is no problem collecting your lights from the next door neighbor, right Chadwick?)

3 If you are decorating your house for the holidays, do not forget to double-check the timer. If you do at best, the lights will come on too early. At worst, the lights will come on at the right time but burn throughout the night (What would be even worse is they come on at six am and go off at six pm, Chas.)

2 If you are decorating your house for the holidays, do not use blow-up lawn decorations. If you do, at best they look like piles of plastic during the day. At worse the blow up machine could get a short and your blow-up decoration looks like an entry in the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade. (Whoever thought Rudolf could get that big just before he exploded, Clemens?)

1 If you are decorating your house for the holidays, do not have Holiday music on an outdoor speaker. If you do, at best your neighbors will complain. At worst, you unknowingly violated the town noise ordinance. (Not a good idea to tell the SWAT team to get off your property, Cleveland. Too bad about that new storm door.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Recovery

November 26, 2017August 24, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 65 Comments

Today on Views of the Neighborhood I want to give you a glimpse of a few of the merchants who are still not in their buildings but who have decided to start on the road to recovery their own way. Most businesses in Port Aransas lost their buildings. A few have decided to open with some temporary accommodations. I hope you enjoy the view.

The United States Post Office is up and running in temporary buildings on the original site but opposite the damaged building.

Ace Hardware pulled in a trailer and several Pods and now supply basic hardware items. The original store is behind the trailer and being worked on.

Coffee Waves is our local version of Starbucks. It is still not ready for use.

But you can still get a coffee in the parking lot. Their trailer is up and running.

My bank is open in a temporary trailer which is in front of the bank building.

The design Center is open for consultations. Their branch in Corpus Christi has the inventory.

Billy Joes is open with a food trailer. Billy Joe served free Thanksgiving meals on thanksgiving Day out of this trailer.

The Fly It Port A kite store is selling their kites on the front parking lot of the store. The store itself is under renovation.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Ink”

November 25, 2017November 24, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 34 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday and this week’s prompt is “Ink.” Linda Hill says we can use it any way we want. If you would like to join in this happy band of nut cases visit Linda’s blog and find out how. Don’t worry no one will slip you into a straight jacket on the first visit. Here is the link https://lindaghill.com/2017/11/24/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-nov-25-17/

“You come back from that place with the weirdest stuff.”

“Weird? What’s weird about this?”

“You have got to be kidding me.”

“No. I’m serious. What is weird about the word ink?

“For one if you were going to make something out of the word you would have to write about printing.”

“That’s not true. Remember we can use the word any way we want.”

“Okay, how would you use it?”

“One example is we could talk about a squid.”

“A squid? What would you make out of a squid?”

“Try this. ‘The giant squid wrapped its tentacles around the boat and dragged it shrouded in a black cloud of ink to the bottom of the sea.”‘

“That is pretty exciting. What’s next?”

“What about another use?”

“Lay it on me.”

“Two guys hunched over a desk. One says to the other, ‘Let’s ink this contract so the people can get back to work.'”

“I like that. A labor story. What else?”

“A guy walks into a tattoo parlor. The proprietor looks up from the counter. ‘You here for the ink?’ he says.”

“Ah, the great anti-establishment story. Any more?”

“The young kid holding his dog looked up at the man. ‘His name is Ink cause he’s so black. Can you save him?”‘

“Aw, a boy and his dog story. Another?”

“A guy on a soapbox sweeps his arm at the unruly crowd. “I’ll tell you what INK stands for. I for Intensity. N for Now and K for Knuckleballers. Now go get them.”‘

“Knuckleballers? What kind of story is that?”

“It’s a baseball story.”

“Where did the initials come from?”

“They were on the locker room wall.”

“you are making this up as you go along aren’t you?”

“How can you tell? Go INK.”

“Go INK indeed.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

November 24, 2017November 23, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 44 Comments

Since most have the Friday after Thanksgiving off, we need to change the meaning of TGIF. My idea here is to slow down the passing of Friday and the rest of the weekend. So for this week only let’s just say TGIF means Thursday’s Gift Is Friday. So we have the whole day, and the next two before reality comes knocking at our door.

I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving and are not going to be mauled too much taking advantage of the Black Friday deals. Today’s JohnKu raises a question about Black Friday. Hope you have a good weekend.

Get up before dawn,

Freeze until the doors open. . .

Or order online.