Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “shortcut/cut short.”

November 4, 2017November 3, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 20 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This week’s prompt is “shortcut/cut short.” Linda hill says we can use them anyway we want. If you would like to join in go to Linda’s blog and read how. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2017/11/03/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-nov-417/

“I’m taking a shortcut through the strawberry patch.”

“Why are you doing that?”

“I want to see what it is like to take a strawberry shortcut.”

“Man, you come up with the dumbest things. Enough of this, I need to cut short the chit-chat.”

“In a rush are we?”

“Yes. I have to go downtown and speak with the tax appraiser.”

“Uh oh. That sounds ominous.”

“Not so bad. I need to ask them for a reappraisal of my house.”

“They will do that?”

“Yes. If you have a change of circumstance they will.”

“So what change of circumstance did you have?”

“You are kidding right?”

“What?”

“You were the one who decided to cut short your vacation and stay at my house instead.”

“Yes, I did.”

“And you were the one who wanted to take a shortcut and put the roast in the microwave.”

“Well, it was a good idea for reducing cooking time.”

“You also recall that the microwave caught on fire.”

“Well, I didn’t know that was going to happen.”

“What shortcut did you take with the fire?”

“Pan of water.”

“Which caused the grease to spatter and catch the island on fire.”

“Yeah, that water didn’t work too well.”

“The who decided to cut short his visit?”

“Uh. Me.”

“Correct. Meanwhile the kitchen is in flames.”

“I couldn’t do anything anyway.”

“Which spread to the upstairs.”

“That was one shortcut I didn’t expect.”

“Finally to the roof.”

“Time to cut short the description. I get it.”

“Get what?”

“Your house burned down and now you need a reappraisal.”

“Thanks to whom?”

“The change of circumstance.”

“Start running. Now.”

“Time for the shortcut.”

Friday John Ku – AKA – TGIF

November 3, 2017November 2, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 56 Comments

Friday is here and it sure feels good. I’m sure we all could use a little break from the work week. Of course, for those of you who tend to write on the weekends there isn’t a break in work but hopefully a break in routine.

I tend to keep going on the weekends as if there is no day off. I do manage to take a few liberties like a nice IPA on Saturday and some cooking time which I love. For the most part, though, I stick to my 1000 words a day writing schedule.

I still like to see Friday arrive. It has a psychological benefit that may mean reaching the finish line for the week. This week’s John Ku explores this concept a little further. I hope you all have a super weekend.

The beginning step,

Has importance at the front. . .

The finish is sweet.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Stella Time

November 2, 2017November 1, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 52 Comments

“Hi, John.”

“Well, Hi, Stella. What you up to today?”

“Nothing much. I just wanted to check and see what you were doing.”

“I’m putting a finishing touch on a story for tomorrow.”

“Isn’t tomorrow the Thursday post, A Little personal?”

“It sure is.”

“Doing a feature on the canines?”

“No. It is all about you.”

“About me? How appropriate. Can I get up on your desk?”

“Sure. Let me move a little, and you can jump up.”

“Um. I think I need a lift. Grab that glass of water as well.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“You know I’m getting up there.”

“Yes, Stella. We talked about that last week.”

“I know, but when you said, “Jump.”

“Wishful thinking I would guess. Here you go.”

“Terrific, John. You sure I’m not putting you out?”

“Oh, no. I can write just fine from over here. Your foot just made your photo go away.”

“Ah, you can get it back. Right?”

“Of course I can. You just take your time and enjoy the water.”

“You know I need to get down now.”

“Given the fact you have permission to walk on the keyboard and drink water on my desk, I’m sure you want down.”

“You’re the best, John.”

“You too, Stella.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

November 1, 2017October 31, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 41 Comments

It is Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we got an earful from the private eye who explained that for some reason Sheriff Gibson tampered with some evidence to keep Alice from being arrested for cocaine possession. The question was,”Why would he help his ex-wife get out of trouble. The PI said he had the answer so let’s get back to the conversation and find out the reason.

“How’s the coffee?”
“Swell boss. I believe you asked why Gibson would help his wife with a drug charge, right?”
“Yes, it just doesn’t make any sense.”
“It does if the ex-wife had something on the sheriff and threatened to blab unless he helped her.”
“Is that what happened?”
“As I was digging into the Weston woman’s past I came across a reference to Trish Severide.”
“What do you mean a reference?”
“As I mentioned Trish did some in a rehab facility.”
“Yes.”
“It just so happened that the Weston woman worked in that facility as an administrator.”
“Odd coincidence wouldn’t you say?”
“Yeah, I think it is a little more than odd. I snooped around the facility but didn’t turn up a reason. I do know that when Trish was discharged Weston quit her job.”
“You think she was there to keep an eye on Trish?”
“Sounds that way to me. At this point, I also think maybe the sheriff was the one who told her to get a job there.”
“Why do you think that?”
“He was the one she used as a reference.”
“Now how do you find out information like that?”
“Let’s say if anything is written, scanned, and stored online I can look at it.”
“So you are making a connection between Alice Weston and the sheriff that caused the sheriff to squash a drug charge.”
“That is what I’m saying.”
“You have not proofed.”
“Wait until I talk to a few of the employees of the facility. I’m sure someone there has some information that will verify my theory.”
“I’m not sure it is going to be worth spending more money.”
“I think I can find out where Trish went and who killed the Saverides.”
“You just saying that to get the work?”
“No, I’m saying it because I think I can deliver.”
“Tell me you think my client did it.”
“I can clear your client. I’m almost sure of it.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #146

October 31, 2017October 30, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 39 Comments

Using 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 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.

“My children, as we look over the beautiful countryside we must think of how vast the world is and how small we appear in relation to it. Ow.”

“OMG. The pastor was just stung by a bee.”

“Impossible. He is our leader and cannot be taken down by a humble bee. He is impervious to such mundane nuisances.”

“Can someone help me? I have been stung by a bee.”

“So much for the impervious leader.”

“I can’t believe it. Just last night he was walking on hot coals.”

“I knew it was a trick.”

“It was no trick. I supervised the building of the coals myself. I looked at his feet, and he had no burns.”

“So why is he in so much pain over a little bee sting.”

“I don’t know. Did you see him the day before lying on a bed of nails.”

“Yes, and I thought that was a trick as well.”

“You can’t be serious. Did you not see the marks on his skin with your own eyes?”

“Yes I saw them. So what is up with the bee?”

“I can’t imagine. I think I must approach him and ask.”

“Good luck with that.”

“My leader. How may I help you?”

“This bee caught me in a venerable place, and I need help.”

“But my leader you are a man of courage and faith. I watched as you tested your faith on coals and nails. Can’t your faith carry you through this bee sting?”

“My son. We all have points of vulnerability. It is the Creator’s way to keep us from getting too arrogant thus believing we can live without faith.”

“Oh, I see. So the bee found your point of vulnerability.”

“Do you remember the classics, my son? The story of Achilles?”

“Oh, yes my leader. He was strong and brave, but his heel was his point of vulnerability.”

“That’s correct. We refer to someone’s vulnerability as “An Achilles heel.”

“So the bee caught you in your Achilles heel.”

“I would say Achilles’ bum is more accurate. Help me to the infirmary. I need someone to take out the stinger.”

“The only person there is nurse Pradeep.”

“Yes. I know my son. Hurry.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do in Your Halloween Costume.

October 30, 2017October 29, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 50 Comments

The inspiration for this list was seeing a guy out in public in a Halloween costume. It struck me that he was unaware of the stares and reaction of those around him. Hope you enjoy.

10 If you are in your Halloween costume, do not go into the bank to make a withdrawal. If you do, at best some will stare. At worst the teller will not look at your withdrawal slip but assume you are holding up the bank. (That zombie makeup had her rattled, Donald. Too bad the SWAT team had no sense of humor.)

9 If you are in your Halloween costume, do not think you have the same powers as the superhero you are dressed to be. If you do, at best you’ll hurt yourself. At worst you will think you can take on Tiny the WWF champ who is in step two of his anger management treatment. (Look like that cape is not going to save you, Dorian. I would just go limp, and maybe Tiny will think you are dead.)

8 If you are in your Halloween costume, do not go shopping at the grocery store. If you do, at best you will have the aisles to yourself. At worst, the store manager will insist that you leave since most of his employees have locked themselves in the lounge and refused to come out. (It could be that the hatchet embedded in your skull looks too real, Dex.)

7 If you are in your Halloween costume, do not go through the fast food drive-through. If you do, at best you may be wearing a chocolate milkshake. At worst, the panicked employee will call 911 and drop your food outside the window. (The police are understanding, but you still have no food, Dante.)

6 If you are in your Halloween costume, do not think you can attend the Saturday night church service. If you do, at best you’ll have a pew all to yourself. At worst, the minister will continually point in your direction when he comes to the phrase, “Devil worship.” ( You didn’t realize Halloween is not a big thing in your church huh, Dacey?)

5 If you are in your Halloween costume, do not keep your doctor’s appointment. If you do, at best you will empty the waiting room. At worst, your doctor will assume you have had a massive mental breakdown and will call the county home for a pickup. (The clown makeup and white straight jacket is quite a look, Dagwood.)

4 If you are in your Halloween costume, do not drive on the freeway. If you do, at best you’ll get some weird looks. At worst you will shock the fragile person in the vehicle next to you, and they will turn into your car as a defensive move. (The cop insists it’s your fault for scaring the wimp next to you, Dalbert.)

3 If you are in your Halloween costume, do not go next door to borrow a cup of sugar. If you do, at best you won’t get the sugar. At worst, your NRA member next door neighbor will not recognize you and will only quit shooting when you dive into your house. (What would have happened if your neighbor was a good shot, Damek?)

2 If you are in your Halloween costume, do not exceed the speed limit. If you do, at best you’ll get home without incident. At worst, you’ll be pulled over and after all is said and done, lying on the street with your hands cuffed behind your back. (Maybe it wasn’t a good idea to dress as Pretty Boy Floyd after all. Although you have to admit that Tommy gun sure looked real, Dareau.)

1 If you are in your Halloween costume, do not go through the TSA security screen at the airport. If you do, at best you will be denied boarding. At worst, the private search that turned up the sword, flintlock pistols, and the grog will be enough to charge you with terrorism. (The pirate idea sounded good at home, Dartagnan. In the airport? Not so much.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Halloween

October 29, 2017October 28, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 49 Comments

We had a cold front move in for Halloween. My photos this week show islanders bundled up like they are in Alaska. This weekend had two Halloween events pictured here. The first is the annual sand pumpkin carving event. The second is the Trunk or Treat event held in the park. I hope you like them.

The lifeguard was on duty even though it was fifty degrees.

A view of a professional rendering of pumpkins on the beach.

Kids and a mom carving the sand pumpkins.

A couple of youngsters getting started.

A different technique.

A boy and his dad.

Mom and Cowboy fan.

More reminders of how we feel.

The Cowboy fan agrees.

Old glory is never too far away these days. A reminder us of how fortunate we are to live here.

Now for the Trunk and Treat which took place in the late afternoon. You can tell by the long shadows.

Our department of Parks and Recreation is the best.

You can see how it works. Folks have their trunks full of goodies.

There are also freshly grilled hamburgers.

This couple had a well decorated golf cart.

Speaking of pirates.Nice crew.

A shot of children getting treats at a picnic shelter.

Some of the goodies.

A huge castle for jumping.

Little duckies with gift numbers.

The biggest bounce house on the planet.

Happy Halloween from the island.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “which/witch/wich.”

October 28, 2017October 27, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 42 Comments

Which day is today?

Stream of Consciousness Saturday of course. Today’s prompt is “which/witch/wich. Linda Hill also has some informative words. “Start your post with the word “which” and try to fit the word “witch” in somewhere if you can. Bonus points if you use a word that ends in “wich.” As an added rule this week, you will lose all the points you’ve ever earned if you type “which witch is which” anywhere in your post. Have fun!” You think it is easy being a prompt head, don’t you? Well, so far I’m okay. I started the post with which so I have that done. Now to work in witch and a word ending in wich. If you would like to become addicted to this fun visit Linda Hill’s blog at https://lindaghill.com/2017/10/27/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-oct-2817/. You can read all about how to take the first dose.

“Which one are you?”

“I’m the guy who drove you home.”

“Oh. Did I thank you for that help?”

“No, not really. I think the barf in my front seat was thanks enough.”

“My word. I did that?”

“Yes.you did. Your friends took care of the backseat.”

“My friends?”

“Yes, that group of guys who were with you.”

“Wow. I don’t even remember a group of guys. By the way how come you are still here this morning?”

“You swallowed my keys.”

“I did what?”

“You thought I was too drunk to drive, so you took my keys and swallowed them.”

“Were you?”

“Too drunk?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t drink. You were definitely drunk though.”

“Yeah, I get that. Soooo where did you sleep?”

“On your couch.”

“Thank goodness. you weren’t in my bed then.

“No, I was not in your bed.”

“I am such a witch sometimes. Er, I don’t mean that to be a bad thing. Um, you are handsome and everything but I was too drunk for love.”

“I understand. I think I better get going.”

“What about your keys?”

“Oh, you got rid of them about three-thirty and threw them to me.”

“Don’t tell me I heaved the keys.”

“On my chest. On your couch.”

“How can I make it up to you?”

“It’s okay. It was an interesting time for sure.”

“But you must have been miserable.”

“No. I found that the experience broadened my view of life.”

“How so?”

“Made me aware of new rules.”

“New rules? Like what?”

“Before being forced from a party to drive someone like you home, always grab a sandwich.”

“A sandwich?”

“A sandwich.”

“Why a sandwich?”

“You’ll always have a choice of what to eat when you have a sandwich.”

Friday John Ku – AKA – TGIF

October 27, 2017October 26, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 41 Comments

Friday is here and time to look forward to the weekend. The week has been busy with the editing of the latest book titled The Contract. A story of two souls who must venture to Earth to stop a catastrophic event that is threatening the viability of the planet. They will have no memory of their eternal life once they occupy the bodies chosen for them. The two must deal with the situation using only the temporal skills of their host beings. They sign a contract before leaving their celestial home that stipulates what is required. They commit even though they have no guarantee of success but cannot resist the ultimate reward which is a personal anointing by the Creator. There is no room for failure. This book is a collaboration with Gwen Plano, the author of Letting Go Into Perfect Love, a 2017 KCT Int’l Literary Awards winner.

It has been an interesting engagement writing a book with another author. Gwen is a memoirist and of course, I write thrillers. Our writing styles and experience are quite different so bringing these differences together to produce a cogent story has been a lot of fun.

We are now in the editing stage and hope to be in a position to publish the book in February. There will be an opportunity for a beta read. The call will go out when the editing is done.

Today’s John Ku talks about working with others. I hope you have a great weekend.

To work by one’s self,

Is comfortable and safe. . .

But doesn’t teach much.