Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Nuts.”

Stream of Consciousness

 

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and this week’s prompt is “nuts.” Linda Hill says to use it any way we want and to enjoy. I have to wonder how many ways there are to use the word, “nuts.” I can think of a few (one of which is not PG-13). So, let’s just go ahead without any further thought. If you would like to join in, visit Linda’s blog, and read how. It is really easy. Here is the link.

https://lindaghill.com/2019/11/01/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-nov-2-19/

Nuts by John W. Howell © 2019

“Nuts.”

“What now.”

“I just dropped my screwdriver into the grate.”

“I think Murphy’s law covers that move.”

“Like how?”

“A fallen tool will be retrievable in direct proportion to it’s criticality to the completion of the project. If critical, it’s gone forever.”

“Yeah, well, I need that screwdriver to finish this project.”

“Forget it then. What’s the project?”

“Trying to fix this leaking hose.”

“So you stand above this grate while working on a hose.”

“Yes. What’s wrong with that?”

“Are you nuts? You should be at a spot where you won’t drop things into the city sewer.”

“But, the hose won’t reach my workbench.”

“I can’t believe this. Did you think to detach the hose from the faucet?”

“I did.”

“Why is it still attached.”

“I needed some plyers.”

“So?”

“They fell in the grate.”

“You are nuts.”

 

 

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

Twiggy and Lucy
“Lucy its Friday. Time to play.”
“How about waking me when it’s warm out there.”
“That may be a while.”
“Exactly.”

Here is that beautiful day of the week that traditionally signals an end to the workweek. Only eight more hours and then the weekend is available for maximum enjoyment. I certainly hope you will enjoy yours.

Not too much new around here. We saw the temperatures drop into the 30s, and for next week, it looks like more of below-normal conditions. The daytime highs are expected to be no more than the high 60s and lows in the 50s. This would compare to the ’80s as a high and 70s as a low. So, yes, sweater weather but not subzero. Tonight is the only low in the 30’s. We are due rain next Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

The WIP is coming along but slowly. I work on it everyday but for me, editing is a much slower task than writing. So far, our heroes have been to Dodge City Kansas in 1878, Tombstone Arizona in 1881 and have just arrived at the Alamo in 1838.

By the way, in case I haven’t mentioned it, these two, James and Samantha, are on a quest to find the best eternal home. They are sampling places and time dimensions to see what fits the best. Along the way, they are seeing plenty of action. If you are a history buff you know some things happened in each of those years. For example, right now they arrive at the Alamo a couple of days before Santa Anna’s attack on the Texas stronghold. Well, more of this later.

Today’s JohnKu talks about the weather which we all seem to find something to complain about no matter what it is.

Weather by John W. Howell © 2019

When it’s hot or cold,

Rain, snow, dead of night or clear . . .

Half want a change now.

 

 

Thursday – A Little Personal – Cold, Wet Weather

 

 

“Twiggy. You awake?”

“Mrufff mumble.”

Twiggy and Lucy

“I think it is getting late.”

“Uh. Where do we have to be?”

“Well, nowhere, but we can’t sleep on the couch the whole day.”

“Mmmmm. I say we can.”

“Where you going?”

“Gonna go ask dad for the time.”

“Wait up. I’ll go with you.”

“Okay.”

Hey, Dad. What time is it?

“Right now, eleven o’clock. Time for you two to go out.”

“What’s the temp out there?”

“Forty-six degrees,.

“Man, this is cold. Lucy, check the patio. Is it dry?

“I’m going Little One. Why am I always the guinea pig?”

“Twiggy, it’s all wet back here.”

“That’s all I need to know. I’m outa here.”

“Mama, mama, mama. We are dying out here.”

“Good one, Twiggy. I’m sure she will come running now.”

“Lucy. The reason you are the guinea pig is you are so much bigger and braver than me.”

“Save the soft soap for Mama. She’s going to be forced to wipe your paws.”

 

Twiggy and Lucy

“Wake us in a couple of hours, Dad. Not sure that outing was effective.”

“Will do, Twiggy. I stand to serve.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

“Leggo, Dad. I need to play with Lucy.”
“It’s Wednesday Little One. Lucy is taking a nap.”

 

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week our heroes met with Wentworth, and he told them that Mr. and Mrs. Dixon had registered at the hotel while Rafferty was there. Larry recognized that the information is not useful unless he can get a positive ID on the fact that Janice is posing as Mrs. Dixon. He and Andrew decide that maybe someone in the hotel can identify her. They decide to go back to Wentworth’s office while he is still on the phone with the lawyer so that they can short circuit any delay in getting what they want. I think we should rush back there as well. Our pair just went into Wentworth’s office.

 

“Hi, gentlemen. Bear with me. I’m on hold with the lawyer.”

“That’s good that you are still on the phone with him. We need to get the whole portfolio of Mr. and Mrs. Dixon.”

“Yeah, I’ll ask but not sure that is covered in the warrant. The name Rafferty is clearly spelled out here.”

“I know that. The judge was not comfortable with a fishing expedition, but I swear to you the Dixon’s are a couple of evil characters, and all we need to do is ID the Mrs. as posing as Mrs. Dixon when, in fact, she is Mrs. Rafferty the wife of the guy killed.”

“Tell you what. I’m going to hang up on the lawyer. I need to know that I’m not going to be dragged into anything legal here.”

“I can’t see how you would be.”

“Well, for one thing, if I give you information and then I have to go to court to verify the information, I will be dragged into something legal.”

“Okay, I see that. All we want to know is if Mrs. Dixon had room service and who served her.”

“I’ve disconnected the lawyer. Let me look up the portfolio. I do this with the understanding that you get no copies, okay?”

“That’s fine with us.”

“Ah, yes, here it is. Let me see. Hmmm. I show that there was a room service delivery every morning they were here.”

“Any clue who signed the bill?”

“Sure, here it is. Mrs. Dixon signed two of them.”

“Perfect. Who served them?”

“On one morning, it was Silvester. The other Robert.”

“Can we speak to these two?”

“That should not be a problem. I will ask that you keep your questions informal, and then if they need to make a statement, you can formalize it later. Our company lawyer will want to be there.”

“We really appreciate this, Wentworth.”

“I think justice needs to be served.”

“Why would you say that?”

“I remember Rafferty, and he seemed like a good guy is all. He had a lot of meetings here and was very kind to the staff. We felt pretty bad when he had his so-called accident.”

“Did you see him the night he died?”

“No. sorry. The last time I saw him, he thanked me for a nice meeting.”

“When was that?”

“That morning. He told me he was sorry he wouldn’t be able to stop by after his meeting. He said he needed to get to the airport early, so he came into my office in the morning instead.”

“You mentioned a ‘so-called’ accident.”

“Yeah. He didn’t strike me as a guy who would get loaded and then go on a night ski. Not like him at all.”

“How can we reach Silvester and Robert?”

“Make yourselves comfortable in the outer office, and I’ll get them to come here. It might take a minute or two. These guys are really busy.”

“No problem. Besides, you have some pretty good coffee out there.”

“When they arrive you can use the conference room. It’s right next door.”

“Thank you, Wentworth.”

“Name’s Sanford.”

“Sanford Wentworth?”

“That’s it.”

“Well, thank you, Sanford. Andrew and I are grateful.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #235 by Keith Channing

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.

Kreative Kue #235

Flight of the Albuquerque by John W. Howell © 2019

“So, where are we going?”

“Hard to say.”

“Doesn’t that concern you?”

“Why should it?”

“We are flying behind a bunch of geese bound for who knows where and you are not concerned?”

“Gaggle.”

“Huh?”

“Gaggle of geese.”

“Oh, excuse me. The point is we are following them to heaven knows where.”

“We have more than enough fuel, and the winter snows are at least 500 miles off. So what is there to worry about?”

“The sun is beginning to set, and it will be dark soon.”

“We have running lights.”

“But can these geese see in the dark?”

“No.”

“What the heck?”

“We will land before it is totally dark and spend the night in a nice pasture near some water.”

“How do you know this?”

“I’ve done it before.”

‘You have?”

“Yup.”

“How long are we going to follow these guys?”

“Till we get to Miami Beach.”

“Wait. I didn’t tell anyone I would be gone that long.”

“You can call them when we land.”

“But I have work and responsibilities. I just thought we would be up here for an hour or so.”

“Didn’t I say we were going to fly south with the geese?”

“Yeah, but I didn’t think a thousand miles south.”

“At least we aren’t going to South America. Besides, you’ll love Miami Beach. Plenty of grass and water.”

“Grass and water? You’re kidding, right?”

“I wouldn’t kid about grass and water.”

“You are leading me to believe you think you are a goose.”

“Gander.”

“Er….what?”

“HONK.”

 

Top Ten Things Not to Say in a Text

Top Ten Things not to do

 

Since the historical picture looks a little light on humor, I decided I would make a top ten list that I have wanted to do for a while. I hope you like it.

Top Ten Things Not to Say in a Text

by John W. Howell ©2019

10 If you are texting, do not say, “Will you marry me?” If you do, at best, your intended’s battery has failed. At worst, your reply with being a short and sweet “Kiss off.” (You see, Jayyed, the idea of marriage is a serious thing. Your casual approach does not instill confidence that you would make a right partner.)

9 If you are texting, do not say “yes” to Tiny the WWF champ when he wants to buy you a couple of rounds. If you do, at best, Tiny won’t be able to find you. At worst, when you meet Tiny at the gym, you suddenly understand that he wasn’t talking about drinks. (Well, here you are, Jedd. I think I would lay back during the rounds and try not to break any bones.)

8 If you are texting, do not tell someone that a family member has passed. If you do, at best, your battery will die. At worst, the news will not be taken well. (So now you are responsible for another mental break down, Jedidiah. It’s no wonder they are not speaking to you anymore.)

7 If you are texting, do not tell someone you are breaking up with them. If you do, at best, they didn’t like you anyway. At worst, you now have a life long enemy. (Way to go, Jennis. This could have gone so much better face to face. How did that boiling bunny get on your stove anyway?)

6 If you are texting, do not answer the text and photo that asks, “How do I look in this.” If you do, at best, you’ll say “great.” At worst, you’ll try and be helpful. (Admitting that hat looked ridiculous has just earned you a cold night in the dog house, Jensen. You see, that was the favorite  pick.)

5 If you are testing, do not send an “I’m mad at you” text. If you do, at best, the recipient will turn off their phone. At worst, the recipient will become very defensive. (So how are you going to patch this up, Jeremias? You weren’t all that angry in the first place, and now you have WWIII on your hands.)

4 If you are texting, do not ask the question, “What do you like about me?” If you do, at best, the response will be something you like. At worst, the answer will be something like, “You have a great personality.” (What did you expect, Jerett? This is not the kind of question to put in a text. You are lucky you didn’t get a compliment on your deodorant.)

3 If you are testing, do not send a text asking where the relationship is going. If you do, at best, the recipient will call you. At worst, you might get a reply like, “To Milwaukee.” (Well, I guess you could have predicted that response, Jerico. What did you want the person to say in a text message? HUH? Dope.)

2 If you are texting, do not send a message with the words “I love you” for the very first time. If you do, at best, the recipient will think you are drunk. At worst, the recipient will get the idea you cannot face commitment in person. (That was a lousy idea, Jerren. Let’s hope an in-person statement will undo the damage. You are a bit of a clod, though.)

1 If you are testing, don’t send a message that has drama around it like, “Where were you last night?”. If you do, at best, the recipient will delete it. At worst, you’ll get a response that you won’t like. ( “I was out with Bill,” is something you didn’t expect, huh, Jerrick? I guess that will learn ya.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Halloween Decorations

Now that it is close to Halloween, I thought you might enjoy some photos of a few of the decorations around the neighborhood. So here goes.

This shot was taken inside the Lakeway Activities Center. I guess these folks have been kept waiting a while.

You have to look hard at this one. There are dog and cat skeletons on the ground and a ghost in the tree.

A metal pumpkin on the mailbox.

A ceramic pumpkin on the mailbox

Fake deer in the front yard. (just kidding. They are real deer)

Some ghosts swinging in the trees Avec le fireplug.

Another metal pumpkin and witch’s hat.

Spider and web.

Hard to see large spider webs in the front yard.

A buck photobombing the picture.

Cool ghosts in the tree.

Ghosts and some kind of mailbox wrap with a spider on top.

Another Hollywood wanna be in the spotlight.

A glowing skeleton who lost his legs and a coven of ghosts.

Major spider infestation.

The last laugh is on us. I hope you enjoyed the little tour.

 

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Dress”

 

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and this week’s prompt is “dress.” Linda Hill says we can use it any way we want. She also advises to have fun. If you would like to join in, visit Linda’s blog to read up on how. It is very easy. Here is a link to her blog.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Oct. 26/19

Dress by John W. Howell © 2019

“And you have lost your mind.”

“What do you mean?”

“You are standing in front of a mirror in a dress.”

“Oh, this. I’m just trying to decide if I should dress up for Halloween.”

“In a dress?”

“I have always wanted to dress like my favorite movie star.”

“I can’t wait to hear who that is.”

“Jack Lemmon.”

“Jack Lemmon? I don’t think you are old enough to remember Jack Lemmon.”

“I’ve seen all his movies, and my favorite is Some Like It Hot.”

“Yeah, I remember. He and Tony Curtis dressed up as women.”

“That’s it. I want to dress like Jack Lemmon in Some Like It Hot.”

“I would say you have the legs for it.”

“Very funny. Here hold this picture of Jack and let me compare the dress.”

“Where did you get this dress anyway?”

“Goodwill.”

“Okay, at least you didn’t go into a department store and make a fool of yourself.”

“No. I did entertain the Goodwill folks with my Jack Lemmon imitation.”

“I’ll bet you knocked them dead.”

“They want to see me after I dress up.”

“I’m sure. So what do you think?”

“It’s going to take a superset of accessories to make this dress pop.”

“So, where you going for those?”

“I would say Wal-Mart. I need a wig too.”

“Why can’t you be like everyone else and just go as a Marvel character?”

“That’s just not me.”

“I don’t think Jack Lemmon is you either.”

“Nice comment.”

“How can I help you?”

“Zip me up. Please.”

“How about dinner tonight?”

 

Friday John Ku – AKA – TGIF

Twiggy
“Hey, Twiggy. You want to play? It’s Friday.”
“One more chew on this starfish, Lucy and I’ll be ready.”

 

Yup, it is Friday, and we all are thankful for that.  We had some rain here in Parched City, which was mighty welcome.

The week has been pretty calm. It started with temperatures in the 90s and looks like it will finish in the 70s. It means fall weather has finally arrived here in Texas.

Been plugging away at the WIP. Most of my edits have been additions to the dialog sections. I’ve been adding bits of what could be called Emotional Beats. As you may know, I construct whole stories with nothing but dialog. That may be well and good with less than 1000 words, but throughout a novel, it could be tiring for the reader.

There is plenty of dialog, but I’ve added some points of interest to bring the characters alive when they are talking. I still don’t use tags (he said, she said) since I think it is pretty obvious who is talking and tags just slow the story.

We’ll see if it all works. I’m planning on asking for Beta-reader interest around mid-November. I think I won’t ask for the comments back until mid-January since there are some holidays in there. All in all, the story is still holding, so I’m pretty happy with it.

I had an interesting discussion with someone last weekend. They asked me if I was self-published, and I said, “yes.” Her response was a very patronizing, “Writing is a very good hobby.” I guess we all have had that kind of comment. Today’s John Ku talks about discouraging words. I hope you have a great weekend.

Discouraging Words by John W. Howell © 2019

Everyone should know,

If you can’t say something nice . . .

Then shut the fuck up.

Thursday- A Little Personal -October-Ween Book, Blog & Trailer Block Party

 

Usually, you see Twiggy and Lucy in action here but this week is a little different. I’m actually going to promote my books (gasp). Now don’t run away cause there is something in it for you. If you leave a comment, you will be entered into a drawing.

Here’s What I’m Giving Away Today:

One of two $5.00 Amazon gift cards won by  Liz Gauffreau &  Ron Yates

One of two of my E-books won by  Miriam Hurdle & Wendy Scott .

There are a total of four winners.

“We are here, Boss.”
“Yeah, Dad. Now go talk about your books.”

Thank you, Ladies.

Here are the books

This is the John Cannon Trilogy. It is a continuing story of John Cannon’s struggles with a terrorist organization whose objective is the destruction of America. You can click on each of the covers for a trailer.

Click cover for the trailer.

When a former pro football star and broadcaster, now a Wall Street maven is accused of insider trading, will he be able to prove his innocence and expose those who are guilty?

Greg and his boyhood pal dreamed of big success in professional football and then later in business. Greg was the only one to live the dream. Now the founder of an investment fund Greg is faced with a routine audit finding by the SEC. The audit points to irregularities and all the tracks lead to Greg. The justice department hits him with an indictment of 23 counts of fraud, money laundering, and insider trading. His firm goes bust, and Greg is on his own.

His best friend knows he is innocent but has been ordered under penalty of eternal damnation not to help.

If you enjoy stories of riches to rags, redemption, brotherly love, and a little of the paranormal, Circumstance of Childhood will keep you riveted.

Click the cover for the trailer

The earth is under the threat of a catastrophic political event that could result in international warfare and destroy all life on the planet. In heaven, a divine council decides that extraordinary measures are essential. They call for an intervention that involves two souls returning to earth. The chosen two sign a contract that they will work to avert the disaster.

Brad Channing, a Navy SEAL, and Sarah O’Brien, a teacher, become heaven’s representatives on earth. The story follows them as they individually and then together face overwhelming obstacles and eventually end up on a strategic Air Force base in California. It is there that they discover a conspiracy to assassinate the President of the United States. The terrorists have a plan for global dominance, and they are determined to complete their mission. Although military leadership appears to have the President’s best interests at heart, it is not clear who can be trusted and who should be feared. The action is rough and tumble as Brad and Sarah try to figure out the culprits of the plot that will turn into a worldwide conflagration unless stopped.

If you enjoy thrillers, this is one with enough twists and adventure to keep you riveted and guessing. If you like your thriller along with a good romance, Brad and Sarah’s initial attraction and eventual love will sustain you as they live out their heavenly and earthly desires.

You can buy all of these books on Amazon as ebooks or paper copies. Here is the link https://www.amazon.com/author/johnwhowell

Don’t forget to leave a comment to qualify for one of the four prizes being offered.

Also, click this link to see the entire lineup of the tour

WELCOME TO THE #RRBC 2019 OCTOBER-WEEN BLOCK PARTY!