Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy the Brave

September 21, 2023September 20, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 114 Comments

“So, a little sunbath huh?”

“Now that the temps are tolerable, a sun bath is just what I need.”

“It does look comfortable.”

“You have no idea. The stress of modern life can get to ya.”

“Well, you deserve to relax.”

“Sush. What is that noise?”

“I didn’t hear anything.”

“Of course not. You have human ears. One step above none.”

“If it’s a danger, I would have heard it.”

“Says the man who routinely allows the FedEx guy onto the porch.”

“So what is it?”

“I’m not sure, but it sounded like a pterodactyl.”

“Those things are extinct.”

“Says the man who never fought a saber-toothed tiger. Now sush. I’m on it.”

“Well?”

“For heaven’s sake. It’s that stupid gecko calling for something.”

“You let him go?”

“Of course. I have better things to do than to bother with an insurance symbol.”

“How do you know it’s not dangerous?”

“Look at him. He changes colors more often than I change my mind. How can that technicolor reptile be dangerous?”

“Where to now?”

“Thought I heard a Rhino by the other gate.”

“You go, girl.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #399 by Keith Channing

September 19, 2023September 18, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 46 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 your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before Sunday evening UK time. 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. Thank you for taking part.”

The photo.

Visit Keith’s blog to see what others do with this prompt. Here is the link: https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2023/09/18/kreative-kue-399/

“Look through your scope and tell me what you see.”

“Yeah, you are right. It’s a man with a dog.”

“Any idea what he is doing here?”

“I don’t have a clue. But if he keeps walking in this direction, no tellin’ what will happen.”

“He’s got something slung over his shoulder. Can you see it?”

“Yeah. I can’t make it out.”

“Sachel bomb, you think?”

“Could be, but looks more like a lunch.”

“How can you tell that?”

“I’ve never seen a sachel bomb in a Yeti tote.”

“Could be a clever ruse.”

“I suppose. I’m more worried about that poor dog.”

“What about it?”

“He’s got it on the end of some kind of tether.”

“Which means?”

“Could be a remote-controlled explosive device.”

“Is the dog real?”

“Looks that way.”

“Man, talk about a cold-blooded killer. Uses a live dog as a bomb.”

“I don’t know, but I don’t get a killer vibe out of this guy.”

“How so?”

“Given the white whiskers and the country dress, I take him for a blogger.”

“A blogger. What the heck is a blogger?”

” Solitary beast that continues to write no matter what.”

“What makes you think he’s a blogger?”

“Aside from the dress, who else would be walking along a solitary road in the country with a dog on a rope?”

“I’ll take your word for it. So do we let him get close or vaporize him?”

“I say we let him pass. I’m sure he is harmless.”

“How would he react to the description that he’s harmless?”

“Probably write an angst-filled post about people experiencing harmlessness. The feeling would pass in a day after all the comments from empathetic readers.”

“Can we get into this blogging thingy?”

“What? Give up this vital security overwatch assignment and go back home?”

“Does sound pretty good.”

“And we have spare fuel for the ship.”

“And it’s only ten lightyears.”

“We would be the first bloggers. Our first post could be titled ‘Coming Home.'”

“On second thought, we have a job to do.”

“Yeah. Our world is counting on us. Another Earthling will come along.”

“One every hundred Earth years.”

“We need to be here.”

“Besides, it’s Taco Tuesday.”

“Settled then. We stay.”

Top Ten Things Not to Say to a Writer

September 18, 2023September 10, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 73 Comments

Today’s post was first published on August 7th, 2017. I think it is still current. I hope you enjoy it.

* * *

This list was inspired by going out into public over the weekend. I am always amazed at some of the things people say once they find out you write full-time.

Top Ten Things Not to Say to a Writer

10 If you meet a writer, do not tell them you have a book you have meant to write. If you do, at best, they will walk away. At worst, they will ask how come you haven’t written it yet? (That is a pretty uncomfortable silence, isn’t it, Bunky?)

9 If you meet a writer, do not ask about their royalties. If you do, at best, they will offer to buy you a drink. At worst, they will ask you to pick up the bar tab. (That was the saddest poor-mouth story you ever heard, huh Ralph?)

8 If you meet a writer, do not ask about a movie deal. If you do, at best, you’ll have to listen to the impossibilities of getting a film deal. At worst, you’ll have to supply the tissues and offer large, soothing hugs. (It’s almost like this guy is never going to stop sobbing, right, Tex?)

7 If you meet a writer named Tiny the WWF champ, do not tell him you have not read his book. If you do, at best, his disappointment will cause you to cry. At worst, he will hold you on his lap and read it to you. ( It is hard to get away, isn’t it, Buford?)

6 If you meet a writer, do not tell them how you would have ended the book. If you do, at best, the look you get should be photographed and filed under incredulity in Wikipedia. At worst, the writer might just leave the gathering and work out previous rejection traumas by consuming a gallon of ice cream. (No, you are not invited to join the ice cream social, Putz.)

5 If you meet a writer, do not ask what they do for “real work.” If you do, at best, they will humor you with lawn-cutting stories. At worst, they will give you the impression that they eliminate ignorant people for money. ( You have to admit if this guy writes as well as he frightens, he’s good, huh, Bosco?)

4 If you meet a writer, do not ask them to review your manuscript. If you do, at best, they will try to change the subject. At worst, they will say yes and try, as they may never find the time to read it. (You should join a critique group Buster, and quit bothering people you just met.)

3 If you meet a writer, do not ask them what brand of whiskey they drink. If you do, at best, they will think you are joking. At worst, the writer will grasp the stereotype and provide you with an obscure brand name that costs $100 a bottle. (A pretty expensive way to get inspired, hey, Pal?)

2 If you meet a writer, do not ask them what they do in their spare time. If you do, at best, you’ll get a vague answer along the lines of washing the dog. At worst, you’ll have to stand and listen to what sounds like a description of a person with Attention Deficit Disorder describing a typical work month. (The big question now is how do you make a getaway right, Prince?)

1 If you meet a writer, do not mention that you haven’t written a review of their book on Amazon. If you do, at best, the smile you get is fake. At worst, you’ll have to hear a long story about how a writer knows if they are appealing to their readers. (Might have been better to lie, Buddy.)

Views of the Neighborhood Art by Mary Barnes

September 17, 2023September 17, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 89 Comments

Today we are going to the Lakeway City Hall, where there has been an installation of some works by artist Mary Barnes in the art gallery. We are catered by Texas French Bread of Austin. Our entertainment is Chicago.

TFB classic deli sandwiches half/whole

served with tortilla chips & TFB salsa
make it a lunch special (+ cookie and iced tea)
turkey
ham and swiss
chicken salad
vegetarian
pimento cheese
Nicoise sandwich

savory pastry lunches

warm, savory pastry, small market salad or cup of soup
make it a lunch special (+ cookie and iced tea)
butter croissant
everything croissant
green chili & cheese
ham & cheese croissant
spinach & cheese croissant

breakfast sandwich
breakfast tostadas
market salad
soup

Picture of an old time school bus

Jump on, and let’s go

The first oil is titled Glacier Park St. Mary’s Lake. I have to apologize that some of the photos appear off-center or skewed. The lighting was not the best and did cast on the paintings to create a hot spot. I moved around until the hot spot disappeared.

The View from Chicos Mountain Lodge Big Bend.

King of the Ferry Landing.

If This Old House Could Tell Its Story.

Cyprus Mill Creek.

Blooming Cactus.

The Shoppers. The Red Umbrellas.

And All That Jazz 1.

All That Jazz 2.

Love That Country Music.

I hope you enjoyed the art. Time to relax and have some food while listening to the music. Wishing you a super week.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good news

September 15, 2023September 14, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 74 Comments

Hearst Owned photo
Rainbow Bridge in Lake Lure, NC.

Today’s Good News story is slightly different from television station WXII Channel 12 Winston-Salem, NC. Here’s the story.

Rainbow Bridge, hidden in North Carolina mountains, helps owners remember pets in a special way.

Rainbow Bridge helps previous pet owners remember their furry friends

LAKE LURE, N.C. —It’s a very special place hidden in a North Carolina mountain that promises grieving pet owners they’ll never be apart from their beloved furry family members.

Pet owners know the special bond that is one-of-a-kind, that creates a special love like no other. The Rainbow Bridge in Lake Lure is an enchanted place that provides love, comfort and a place to grieve during difficult times.

The Rainbow Bridge is hidden in the River’s Edge Dog Garden of the Flowering Bridge in Lake Lure.

About Rainbow Bridge

At the entrance of the colorful, rainbow-painted bridge sits a container that reads, “chains to hang tags and collars” for pet owners to attach memories of their special friends.

The bridge is adorned with collars, tags, and stuffed animals that will never be removed from the bridge. The goal is to honor pets while helping relieve grief while walking the bridge.

Rainbow Bridge Designer

The Rainbow Bridge was created by artist Amy Wald, who lost her dog. She designed the space for owners to happily remember their pets.

“If you look down, you can see paw prints at the start of the bridge. The more you walk, they begin to fade,” Wald said. Click the video to see an interview with Amy Wald.

She said she got the inspiration from envisioning the process of the animals crossing the bridge and then going on into what awaits them on the other side.

Take time on the bridge to think, mourn, or simply just stroll with the good memories you once had with your pets in mind. Once you cross the bridge, a sign reading a version of the Rainbow Bridge poem awaits you, reminding you of the purpose of the bridge and remembering your pet. The original Rainbow Bridge story was written by Edna Clyne of Inverness, Scotland, in 1959, after her Labrador Retriever, Major, passed away, according to the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge site.

Rainbow Bridge Legend

Legend states that when a “pet passes away, they cross the Rainbow Bridge, where they are young, strong, and healthy again. Your pets are free to roam and play without a care. For the most part, pets are content with their new homes over the Bridge, except for one thing: missing the people they once left behind. When you and your furry friend meet again, you cling together and never let each other go. They may be gone physically, but never from your heart. It is then that you finally meet again and cross the Rainbow Bridge together.”

While visiting the Flowering Bridge at Lake Lure, make sure to check out the 2,000 species of plants and gardens.

You can visit the Rainbow Bridge at any time, located at 3070 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure, North Carolina. For more information, visit Flowering Bridge at Lake Lure.

The good news in this story is that someone knew how it felt to lose a pet and designed the bridge to help others through that feeling.

Today’s JohnKu talks about helping others. I hope you have a wonderful week.

We all have feelings,

Some feel for others as well . . .

Grace upon them all.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy Tours Her Favorite Places

September 14, 2023September 13, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 93 Comments

“Here you are in the sun on your bed. I hear you have a tour planned.”

“Why yes, I do. I thought visiting some of my favorite places would be fun.”

“I’m sure the world is waiting with bated breath. Is this the first stop?”

“Dark sarcasm in the classroom. Yes, this is one of my beds. As you can see, the sun is quite nice here.”

“We got outside pretty fast. This lounge is one of my favorites, too.”

“Under the umbrella is the perfect time for this puppy. Nice when the temps are in the 70s like this morning.”

“What does laying on the concrete do?”

“This is a way to keep cool when those temps get above 90.”

“I’ve seen you on the Lueders a few times.”

“These are great for an afternoon snooze under the shade.”

“I can see that they would be nice and cool.”

“In fact, right now, it feels terrific.”

“Okay, I see we have changed position quickly.”

“We have to keep moving to cover it all. This is at the foot of the primary bed. I think that black background on the bench contrasts nicely with my toast complexion.”

So we are back in the family room.”

“Yup. Here is where my major playtime occurs. There is also another bed in case I get the desire to grab some shuteye.”

“Of course, on the couch.”

“You know you just can’t beat a nice nap on the couch. Really hard to keep your eyes open here.”

“It is a comfortable place for sure., Twiggy. Uh, Twiggy?”

“Ladies and gentlemen, Twiggy has left the building. Could someone get that light?”

“Of course, there is the most favorite spot not yet mentioned by Twiggy. Next to Mom on the couch. Priceless.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Prompt – Kreative Kue with Keith Channing

September 12, 2023September 11, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 45 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 your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before Sunday evening UK time. 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. Thank you for taking part.” You can visit Keith’s site and leave a link to your story. Here is his link. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2023/09/11/kreative-kue-398/

The photo

“What a cute puppy.”

“He certainly is. Purebred too.”

“What’s his name?”

“Scruffy.”

“Aw, that’s a cute name. Where did you get him?”

“A friend of mine’s pet had him.”

“Does he live far away?”

“Who?”

“Your friend.”

“Yeah, a little far, why?”

“I’ve been thinking of getting a puppy. How far?”

“234 million miles.”

“Huh?”

“Yeah, he lives on Mars. He sends his puppies here to feed.”

“Feed? What do they eat?”

“Glad you asked. Can you stay for dinner?”

Top Ten Things Not to Do on 9/11

September 11, 2023September 10, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

All ten things are the same today. Do not forget the loss of innocent lives due to the brutal attack on our country by followers of Osma Bin Laden.

Views of the Neighborhood – Inspirational Rocks

September 10, 2023September 10, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 83 Comments

Today, we will go to the Greenbelt to look at a newly installed feature, which is inspirational rocks. We are also going to the Activity Center to see some kids creating rocks. We are being catered by L’oca D’oro of Austin. Our entertainment is Simon and Garfunkel.

Brunch menu

Fresh Mozzarella, blistered shishito, marinated & roasted okra, lemon-tomato curd

Beet Cashew Dip, seeded lavash, sumac

Confit Magic Molly Potatoes, chevre, arugula, blueberry

Panzanella, grilled peach, focaccia, pesto, stracciatella

Polpette, Waygu brisket & heritage pork meatballs,
tomato jam, pecorino, oregano

Bacon, house-smoked thick-cut Iberico pork

Egg Salad Toast, miso, sourdough brioche, chives

Porchetta Sandwich, focaccia, Boggy Creek arugula, olive pesto,
preserved lemon aioli

French Toast Stick, cherry sorghum, raspberries, whipped mascarpone

Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe, pink peppercorn, pecorino Romano

Radiatore, pistachio fonduta, cured & grilled lion’s mane, sunchoke tamari

Spaghetti Carbonara, pancetta, chili crisp, grana padano

Picture of an old time school bus

So get on the bus.

In April 2020, we visited some rocks that had been placed in the Greenbelt by some anonymous folks as a way to cheer up others during the pandemic.

April 2020.

April 2020

Now there is a place where you can leave a rock or take a rock.

The other side of the display.

A close-up of some rocks.

A distance shot of the feature.

Rocks are being made at the Activity Center

The rocks before conversion.

After a child’s hand.

I hope you enjoyed the brief trip. Sit back and enjoy the food and music. I hope you have a super week. Here is Simon and Garfunkel with I Am A Rock

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Mostly/At least

September 9, 2023September 8, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 76 Comments

The soothing cup of coffee reaches my lips. The deep intake of breath brings the healing aroma deep into the lungs. The first sip of the nectar of the gods enters the bloodstream and hits the brain like a free-based drag of heroin. This is legal, is the first thought. Well mostly. At least there will be no arrest for caffeine usage, is the second.

Once the internal conversation over the coffee high is finished, the mind remembers that the security system has been off for a week, and a package from the Warner Brothers President is sitting on the front porch. Looking around the living room shows that no monsters typically lurking outside have made it into the house.

Opening the front door confirms the package is still there and has not been moved. A cautious approach is for who knows what could be in there? There is a tab on the side that says “pull me.” A quick yank and the sides of the box fall down. A large urn with the Warner Brothers logo prominently displayed on the front is inside. The thought of what to do with this monstrosity enters my mind. As if to answer my question, Speedy Gonzoles zips up and hands me a letter and disappears in a cloud of dust.

The letter states that the urn is magic and all that has to be done is give it a rub. There is a P.S. on the letter from Linda Hill. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday reads: “mostly/at least.” Use one, use ’em both, use ’em any way you’d like. Bonus points if they both appear in your post. Enjoy!

If you want to see what other bloggers have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s blog . Here is the link . https://lindaghill.com/2023/09/08/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-9-2023/

“Mostly you cover the prompt. At least you didn’t go on and on.”

“What do you mean ‘mostly?’

“Well you could have gone into a little detail.”

“Like what?”

“Why would you consider caffein mostly legal.”

“I thought it was a little early in the day for philosophical discussions.”

“Philosophical discussions? About caffeine?”

“See. You don’t get it.”

“Okay explain.”

“Well I could have gone on about the rainforests being replaces by coffee plants or worker being poor;y paid for picking the beans.”

“I see what you mean about too early.”