Views of the Neighborhood – Things I Missed

September 15, 2019September 14, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 56 Comments

Last week I ran a post on the art of Lakeway. I missed a few pieces, so I want to give you an update.

This is a bronze sculpture and shows two playing chess and is titled “The Game” by artist Robert Homes. It is out in front of the Justice Center.

A better shot of the chessboard.

I liked the backside of this guy.

Also by the Justice Center is the Peace Officers memorial. Dedicated to those who serve the community.

A bronze work titled “Bald Eagle.” By artist S. David

Here is a more extended shot of the installation which is in front of City Hall

Billy and the butterfly net. Billy is on Lakeway Boulevard in the Florence Newton sculpture garden.

Hope you enjoyed the pick-ups.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt Blue

September 14, 2019September 13, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 71 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday and this week’s prompt is a bit unusual. Let’s let Linda Hill explain it. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “blue.” Talk about the first blue object you see when you sit down to write your post. Have fun!” Okay then. If you would like to have fun like this, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Sept. 14/19

“Why are you sitting at your desk staring out the window?”

“I’m trying to come up with something to say for this week’s Stream of Consciousness prompt.”

“Shouldn’t be too hard. What’s the prompt?”

“To write about the first blue thing you see when you sit down to write the post.”

“Sounds easy. What was the first blue thing you saw?”

“That’s just it. Look around the office.”

“Yeah so?”

“What do you see that’s blue?”

“Erm….there is a lot of grey, black and white, isn’t there?”

“Exactly. Could the prompt have been one of those? No, it is blue.”

“Well, cheat. Say you saw a bluebird out the window and then write a sappy story about how your heart soared like the bird.”

“Cheat? Clearly, you don’t know the Stream of Consciousness Saturday Creed.”

“Creed. You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“I’m not.”

“So what’s the creed.”

“You only cheat yourself if you don’t keep it real.”

“That’s the creed?”

“I may have paraphrased it a bit. The idea is to stay with the prompt no matter what.”

“So what are you going to do?”

“I’m not sure. That’s why I was staring out the window. Whoa, look at that.”

“What?’

“The sky. It’s blue.”

“Amazing observation, Sherlock. It has always been blue. Oh, I get it. The prompt.”

“Yeah, the sky is the first blue thing I see when I sit down to write this post.”

“Well, there you go. Have a blast.”

“One problem, though.”

“What’s that?”

“I’m out of space.”

“So make it short.”

“Okay here goes. ‘The sky is blue, how do you do.”‘

“Book it Danno.”

“I hear the call of the six-pack.”

Friday – JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

September 13, 2019September 12, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 78 Comments

Twiggy and Lucy — “Love your collar, Twiggy.”
“Thanks, Dad. You think Lucy wants to play?”
“After the sun comes up, I’m sure.”

Another Friday is upon us. For whatever reason this week seemed to last a long time. I think maybe it’s because football began in earnest last weekend and I spent a lot of time looking at a few games. I can’t say any of the games had the outcomes that I wanted but, hey. As a fan, it was good to see the games back again.

I am still working on the first draft of my WIP. Last week I was at 68,000 words and this week I fell slightly short of the 1000 words a day at 74,500. (It was only 500 words short but short nonetheless.)

I had a lot of research to do and just got lost in it. I guess I could have gutted it out to make up the 500 words, but it seemed forced, so I didn’t do it.

This week’s JohnKu talks about missing goals. I hope you have a super weekend.

It happens sometimes,

A well-planned goal is not met . . .

Shake it off, keep on.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Fries before Guys

September 12, 2019September 11, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 60 Comments

“What do you have there, Little One?”

“Mom bought us a new toy. Look it says Fries Before Guys. What does that mean?”

“I think it means that French Fries have a higher rank on the food chain than boys.”

“Sounds strange. Excuse me, I need to find Mom.”

“What did Mom say?”

“Exactly what you said. Also to enjoy the toy.”

“So what do you take from the saying?”

“That Fries are more delicious than boys.”

“I think that’s a pretty good take away Little One.”

“I can’t imagine what fries or boys taste like.”

“Let’s hope you don’t have to find out. In the meantime, enjoy the toy.”

“I think the container is more fun actually.”

Mom keeps putting the fries back in the container.”

“Yeah, Little Potato. Mom’s are like that.”

Wednesday Story Day – We Must Remember

September 11, 2019September 10, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 69 Comments

Usually, I would have an episode of my continuing story during this time, but this is not the day for a fictional story.

This is the day to remember an actual horror at the hands of those who hate America and the freedoms for which we stand. Today is the day to remember the innocent victims of this hate.

We should remember the citizens of the world who were terminated for merely being on American soil.
We should remember the American citizens who were going about their daily life, not knowing this would be their last.
We should remember the first responders who heroically attempted to save their fellow human beings, even knowing their lives were in danger.
We should remember the passengers innocently riding in what would become weapons of mass destruction and those who valiantly fought back against their kidnappers.
We should remember those who gave their lives in bringing those responsible for the 911 massacre to justice.
We should remember today what happened on September 11th, 2001, for all who have sacrificed their lives to preserve a free America in spite of those who wish to destroy us and the spirit of freedom.

Join me in remembering that day and those who perished.

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #228 by Keith Channing

September 10, 2019September 9, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 70 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.

“Harold.”

“Huh, what?”

“I hear a noise.”

“Come on, Blanch. You know I have to get up early and go chase those stupid chickens.”

“I’m serious. There is someone in the house.”

“Every time you do this. I get up and go searching, and it is always the same.”

“This time, it will be different. I thought I heard something in the other room.”

“I’m wide awake now, and I don’t hear anything.”

“Just a minute, and you will.”

“Still nothing.”

“If it is someone, what would you have me do?”

“Open that maw of yours and bite them on the butt.”

“What and then bring them to bed?”

“Oh, Harold. Just once I wish you could see my side of things.”

“Like your active imagination—Whoa, what was that?”

“See I told you. It is a burglar I’m sure of it.”

“Okay, Blanch. You stay here, and I’ll go investigate.”

“My hero. be careful.”

“I can’t hear you, Blanch, I’m almost out the door.”

“BAD DOG.”

“Yikes, I’m back, Blanch.”

“OMG, Harold, what happened?”

“There was someone in the other room, all right.”

“Why did he yell ‘bad dog?”‘

“Cause I bit him on the butt like you said to do.”

“So?”

“So? It was the owner, that’s so.”

“He didn’t respect your watchdog efforts.”

“Yeah about as much as the chicken chasing efforts. Let’s try to get some sleep.”

“Harold?”

“What?”

“You’re the best.”

“Aw. Thank you, Blanch.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do in an Elevator

September 9, 2019September 15, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 93 Comments

The inspiration for this post came as a result of thinking hard about the Top Tens that have already been done. Since history was a little less funny this week I decided to do this since it hasn’t been done before.

Top Ten Things Not to Do in an Elevator

10 If you are in an elevator after inspecting the inspection document, do not mention that the inspection date is overdue. If you do, at best you have already reached the ground floor. At worst, you are on an express that has 50 levels to go. (Well, you lucked out, Jack. No one on the elevator has a bucket of tar and a feather pillow.)

9 If you are on an elevator, do not stand too close to Tiny the WWF champ. If you do, at best Tiny is bust worrying about the creaking cable. At worst, Tiny, who just left his OCD workshop, has decided his personal space needs to be enlarged. (Yes, Jeremy Tiny is suggesting that you get off at the next stop. I would take the hint which is far better than a full helicopter spin toss-off.)

8 If you are on an elevator, do not think of the big gulp soda you just had before getting on. If you do, at best, you only have a few floors. At worst, the downward motion of the elevator will give you a challenge. (It is not up to me to say, Joel but finishing your tour of the Empire Stae building with a 32 oz soda might not have been a genius move. Have faith only 100 floors to go. Yeah, that swishing sound does remind me of running water.)

7 If you are on an elevator, do not open that container of take out garlic chicken. If you do, at best everyone in the elevator has had garlic for lunch. At worst, your lunch will be a feature on the evening news. (That report about the hazmat emergency in your building was a source of embarrassment huh, Jesse? That photo of you being booked as a chemical warfare terrorist was especially unflattering. I don’t think orange is your color.)

6 If you are on an elevator, do not think you can make room for those giant packages from Ikea. If you do, at best everyone will get off. At worst, the four people who were bumped and bruised all have excellent lawyers. ( Might be more comfortable to settle out of court, Jeffrey. Those four plaintiffs have formed a class action suit against you. The one with the black eye seems the most unforgiving of all. The others not so much.)

5 If you are on an elevator, remind everyone that your pet lion is friendly. If you do, at best one or two may pet it. At worst, the first roar may cause a mass evacuation. ( And even a few might get off, Judah. Please give everyone else your card and the name of your cleaner.)

4 If you are on an elevator, do not hum a song. If you do, at best everyone has earbuds and won’t hear you. At worst, the occupants will consider you psychotic. (You must wonder why you only made it to the first stop, Jasper. The vigilantes declared you unfit for a further ride. Don’t worry, another will be along shortly. This time stay quiet.)

3 If you are on an elevator, do not look at anyone. If you do, at best they will be looking at their shoes and miss the connection. At worst, you’ll make eye contact with that big guy in the back. (Now you’ve done it, Jonah. That big guy needs to ask someone if they can spare $5.00 for a train ride back to Connecticut. All you have is a ten? Maybe he will make change.)

2 If you are on an elevator, do not continue your cell phone call. If you do, at best everyone will be interested in how you know Taylor Swift. At worst, the most annoyed may just take your phone from you. (I think if you ask nicely, they’ll give it back, Josh. Ooops my bad. Looks like you might need a new one.)

1 If you are on an elevator, do not practice emergency procedures in case the cables break. If you do, at best you’ll be tossed after thirty seconds. At worst, the rest of the occupants will start jumping up and down to try and time hitting bottom in the up position. (As luck would have it, Jaden the cable does break under the weight of twenty folks jumping up and down. Don’t worry, there is an automatic brake system. Well, there should be an automatic brake.)

Views of the Neighborhood – City Sculptures

September 8, 2019September 14, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 79 Comments

Lakeway has several permanent art pieces located around the city. I thought it would be interesting to take a look at some of them.

This is a bronze entitled Craine and is located near the Justice Center. I think the little creek is perfect. Where possible, I have included the artist. Not all of the artists are identified.

This is a kinetic sculpture by artist Lyman Whitaker is titled “Agave” and is located on one of the busy street medians. The idea is to enjoy the art as you drive by carefully.

Also by Lyman, Whitaker is “Sail.” and also located on a median.

“Tennis Player,” Is located in the Florence Newton sculpture garden.

“Girl with Teddy Bear on a Stool,” in the Florence Newton sculpture garden.

“Guardian Angel” by Lyman Whitaker in the Florence Newton sculpture garden.

“Girls with Arbor Rope” in the Florence Newton sculpture garden.

“Boys Balancing” in the Florence Newton sculpture garden.

Florence Newton and her husband, Fred, moved to Lakeway in 1995. She became an active volunteer—at the City Hall reception desk and other functions. She died in January 2008.

The sculpture garden on Lakeway Blvd. between Rogues Roost Dr. and Top O The Lake Dr. is a memorial to her, funded by her family and friends. It was produced by the City of Lakeway’s Arts and Beautification Committee.

I hope you enjoyed the tour.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt

September 7, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 57 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday again, and this weeks prompt is a direct quote from Linda Hill “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “weigh/way/whey.” Use one, use ’em all, bonus points if you do that last thing. Enjoy!” So there you have it. I’m going for the bonus points since I’m very close to having enough for that Bentley turbo convertible. If you would like a Bentley, visit Linda’s blog and find out how easy it is to earn bonus points. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Sept. 7/19

“Little Miss Muffet sat on a tuffet—”

“Please don’t tell me you are going to score the word whey with that nursery rhyme?”

“I knew I could count on you to weigh in on the side of critical.”

“So tell me you aren’t going to used that nursery rhyme.”

“No way. I don’t have to tell you anything. This is my prompt, and I’m going to use it any way I want.”

“Even if your way is an embarrassment?”

“Who’s embarrassed?”

“Well starting with your first-grade teacher, I think anyone who tried to teach you anything would weigh in on the side of embarrassed.”

“Okay, then. Maybe you can show me the way. Give me another use of whey besides curds and.”

“Hmmm. How about whey powder.”

“Huh? How would I use that in a story?”

“You could talk about muscle building. For example. Dick used whey protein powder and gained weight and muscle.”

“Oh and them someone asks him, ‘By the way, how much do you weigh, Dick?'”

“Now, you have it.”

“Thank you for showing me the way. . . Not.”

“What’s the problem? You got all three in that little story.”

“No one’s going to go out of their way to read a story about weight and whey powder.”

“And you think they will about Muffet on a tuffet eating curds and whey?”

“It’s the spider part that gets ’em.”

“You know the spider is no surprise.”

“Just listen to my version, and you be the judge.”

“Fine.”

“Little Miss Muffet sat on a tuffet,

eating her curds and whey.

Along came a spider who sat down beside her,

And said,’ what’s that you’re eating? It looks disgusting”‘

“You need help.”

“I could do anchors aweigh.”

“No way.”

“Way down yonder in New Orleans?”

“Stop now. before I need to find a grocery bag for my head.”

“Grocery bag?”

“So no one will recognize me.”

“Funny you are.”

“Master Yoda.”

“Drink?”

“Way ahead of you.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

September 6, 2019September 5, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 67 Comments

Twiggy — “It’s Friday. So much to do. So little time.”

“Here, we are again. Having to face another weekend away from our beloved work,” said no one ever. I hope you are looking forward to the weekend. I also hope your week was a good one.

Nothing much going on around here. Just plugging away on the WIP. Last week I finished up at over 61,000 words. This week’s total is over 68,000. That is still on the 1000 word a day goal. I am grateful I can continue the pace and don’t take the productivity for granted. We all know things could get in the way at any time, so I mark it up as a good run so far. It also means I’m about 75% complete on my first draft. Yeah, that feels good.

Today’s JohnKu talks about taking things for granted. I hope you enjoy your weekend.

We accomplish goals,

And tend to think it’s just us . . .

Fate is there to help.