Tuesday – Anything Possible _ Kreative Kue #159 by Keith Channing

January 30, 2018January 29, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 23 Comments

In 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 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 – 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 website, next Monday.”

The photo.

“Will you stop giggling. I’m trying to hear.”

“I can’t help it. That last Jal-jeera went to my head.”

“I guess the fact that it is only spices and no alcohol is lost on you.”

“Say what you want, but that cumin packs a punch. Where are we anyway?”

“If you’ll stop babbling maybe I can find out.”

“Hey look. There are crowds of people along the highway.”

“It appears we’re in some kind of parade. What are you doing?”

“I’m going to wave my hat. They’re waving at us.”

“Yeah, I see that. Notice no one is smiling though.”

“Oh, that’s a little creepy isn’t it.”

“I would say. Hold on. I’m getting a signal. Yes, this is Channing. Who’s this? Uh huh. So how did we get here? We are in a damn parade. We are on a float. It’s not a float? Okay, roger that, Channing out.”

“Who was that?”

“Believe it or not that was Century Base One.”

“What’d he say.”

“For some reason, we took a wrong turn at Waypoint Beta and are now on our way to a sacrifice.”

“A sacrifice. I’ve never been to a sacrifice.”

“You idiot. Of course, you’ve never been. We are the sacrifice.”

“Why can’t I remember?”

“Remember what?”

“The trip from the Jal-jeera joint to here.”

“Don’t feel alone. I can’t either.”

“What do we do now?”

“I’ve set your transponder to section four. Now let’s get out of here.”

“I think I gave my transponder to that pretty girl.”

“What pretty girl?”

“The one in the Jal-jeera joint.”

“The one with the blond hair?”

“Yes.”

“Well, I guess she and I will be in section four.”

“Where will I be?”

“My guess is hot water. See ya,”

Top Ten Things Not to Do at a Gas Station

January 29, 2018January 28, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 61 Comments

10 If you are at a gas station, do not buy and eat anything not in a sealed bag. If you do, at best the food will be made today. At worst you will be lucky enough to experience emergency room procedures first hand. (Wow, that stomach pump was a real rush huh,Dalton?)

9 If you are at a gas station, do not think you can find that forgotten birthday present. If you do, at best your lack of attention will be noted. At worst, that mug with the 7/11 logo will be coming back to you quicker than you imagined. (Who knew how fast a mug could travel and how hard it could hit. Right, Danny? Oh, and I would put some ice on that lump if I were you.)

8 If you are at a gas station, do not think the restroom is like home. If you do, at best you’ll just look and move on. At worst, trying to use the bathroom without touching anything might not work well in the end. (How you fell down is still a mystery, Darren. Also, I don’t think that hand sanitizer is going to be enough for your whole body.)

7 If you are at a gas station, do not be rude to the help. If you do, at best they will let you slip. At worst, Tiny the WWF champ who is working there as part of his aggravated assault probation agreement has just allowed the last rude customer to get by. (Looks like we have a straw that broke the camel’s back situation, Dane. I think I would make for the door and hope for the best.)

6 If you are at a gas station and the lines are long, do not insist on having a clerk run last years lotto tickets through the machine to see if you have a winner. If you do, at best you will be told to come back when it is less busy. At worst, the people behind you will form a vigilante group and leave you tied up outside. (Seems like a drastic measure doesn’t it, Dwane. Of course, most were grabbing some beer for the Superbowl and kick off was in ten minutes.)

5 If you are at a gas station, do not walk in the door in your ski mask. If you do, at best no one will notice you since you are a customer. At worst, the guy behind the counter still has PTSD from the last robbery and has his finger on the panic alarm. (Was a little awkward explaining to the police you forgot about the mask, wasn’t it, Darrel. Now with your hands cuffed behind your back and you on the floor it is almost impossible.)

4 If you are at a gas station, do not fuel up and continue to puff on that cigar. If you do, at best the wind will blow the fumes away. At worst, just when your tank is full and the automatic trigger doesn’t work you realize there might be a massive fire. (Lucky you, Deven. You were able to toss that cigar well away. Next time listen to me.)

3 If you are at a gas station, do not try to use the air pump. If you do, at best it is out-of-order. At worst you will feed it four quarters before you finally have enough air in your tire to limp to the tire store. (The worse part was skinning your knuckles on the rapid recoil of the hose, wasn’t it Doug?)

2 If you are at a gas station, do not ask for directions. If you do, at best all you’ll get is a shrug. At worst, you’ll get directions that put you on county road three which leads to the Twilight Zone. (What was it about that kid of eighteen with the wild stare that made you think he even knew where he was, let alone tell you how to get to grandma’s, Doyle?)

1 If you are at a gas station, do not ask if there is a mechanic on duty. If you do, at best you will be laughed out of the place. At worst, someone will pretend to be a mechanic with the result your car is now ready for auction. (Well all that beer and beef jerky should have told you something about their primary business, Damion.)

Views of the Neighborhood – A Peek at the Damage

January 28, 2018January 27, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

I made a point that I was not going to show pictures of the destruction of Hurricane Harvey since I felt it to be an invasion of individual privacy. I still believe that but there are some photos that can be shown which will give you a further idea of the damage of the Hurricane. These were taken yesterday during a rainstorm but will give you an idea. Most of these businesses are going to return.

These buildings have been taken down to the studs.

This is now a shell, ready for renovation

The little store on the left was severely damaged but the bike shop is open.

The damage to the store with the shark was almost total. The shark remained pretty much intact.

This used to be a liquor store and a sno cone stand

Workers repairing the roof of the Islander in the rain

The sea-captain stands alone. His partner is off on a trip.

Even the national chains took a hit. CVS just installed a trailer for prescriptions. Notice the arrow on the parking lot. The wind literally stripped it.

Here is what remains of a gas station and Pizza Hut. They are fixing the building. Not sure on the gas station.

Here is what is left of what we called Mount Debris. It was the holding place for all the debris in town. It was about fifty feet high and more than a football field long It is getting smaller by the day.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Movement”

January 27, 2018January 26, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 50 Comments

“It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this week’s prompt is “movement.” Now I have to Explain. Linda Hill says we can’t just use the word movement, but our prompt has to be about a movement. So if you would like to join in, please visit Linda’s post and find out all about it. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2018/01/26/the-friday-reminder-for-socs-jusjojan-daily-prompt-jan-27th-2018/

“What are you doing?”

“I just came from Linda Hill’s place and have this week’s prompt.”

“So why the long face?”

“Well, the prompt is movement.”

“So? Sounds like a snap. For someone your age who is always worried about a bowel movement you should do well.”

“Very funny. No, you see we have to work in not just the word but an actual movement.”

“Ach. So I was on the right track with that comment about your age.”

“Okay, I’ll give it to you. Seriously I can’t think of a thing.”

“Eye movement.”

“Huh?”

“You could describe eye movement when a person is in the REM stage of sleep.”

“Get serious who will care about that?”

“How about the Woman’s Rights Movement?”

“I’m the wrong gender. Not an expert and don’t think I can speak for how women feel.”

“Okay, fair enough. How about history. The Temperance Movement?”

“I drink too much.”

“The Labor Movement?”

“I don’t work.”

“Gadzooks. Help me out here. States Rights Movement?”

“Not a Tea Party member.”

“AntiWar Movement?”

“Not old enough.”

“Civil Rights Movement. Now don’t tell me you aren’t involved in that.”

“Okay, you may have hit on one that I can talk about.”

“Is there another one?”

“I suppose I could talk about the Environmental Movement.”

“Is that still a thing?”

“You wouldn’t know it but, yes. We are all going to die from plastic poisoning.”

“Okay. How about one more. How’s the Burger Movement sound?”

“The what?”

“You and I move from here and get a burger.”

“Fries with that?”

“Of course.”

“So much for the Health Movement.”

“We’ll do that tomorrow.”

Thursday – A Little Personal – Beach Time

January 25, 2018January 24, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 74 Comments

“Well, Lucy. We finally have some time for a good old walk without freezing to death.”

“I know. I’m just wondering about the sun though. There isn’t any.”

“I know, but think of it this way. No panting. Besides look up there. I see some sun.”

“I suppose you are right. We can’t have everything so we should be positive. Let’s go down by the water. Come on humans.”

“Look at that Lucy.”

“What is it?”

“Take a sniff. What does it smell like?”

“Oh, it has a briny, fishy smell.”

“Yeah, you’re right. I wonder?”

“Wonder what?”

“What it tastes like?”

“Muufff. Strong bouquet of fish. Definitely has mouthfeel issues along with a distinctive eel-like finish. Patoo. Not for me.”

“I’ll pass too. Look over there. Shells”

“Hey neat. Good source of calcium.”

“You two leave those shells alone.”

“Yes pops. What’s he doing, Lucy? I don’t want to look.”

“He’s fine.”

“Have I ever shown you my bird dog imitation, Bailey?”

“No. I think you might need to work on it though.”

“How about my tracking bloodhound impersonation?”

“The same advice you gave me.”

“Okay, so who’s the wiseacre dropping plastic shampoo bottles in the Gulf?”

“I would love to test my locking jaw on their leg if I knew.”

“What do you say, humans? You had enough?”

“Yeah, Boss. Look at the cart over way down there. I would hate to have to carry you.”

“I guess you ladies want to go back, huh?”

“Well, here we are, Bailey. I had fun. How about you?”

“Yes indeed. Thanks, parents for the walk.”

“Our pleasure, Ladies. I mean it happens every day but if you want to thank us that is very nice.”

“Hey, Lucy. I have a question.”

“Shoot.”

“How come your leash is always loose.”

“Trustworthy, Bailey. Trustworthy.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA Hump Day

January 24, 2018January 23, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 51 Comments

Wednesday Story Day again and last week we witnessed Alice put the finger on Sheriff Seth Gibson as one who had entered the Severide’s house the night they were murdered. Alice was willing to swear to the fact. Speaking of Seth Gibson, I see he is going into Lucas’ room at the hospital. I see Jason McDonnell the lawyer in the room with Lucas, so obviously the doctor cleared Seth to ask Lucas some questions. Let’s get over there.
“Well hello, Jason McDonnell.”
“Hello, Sheriff.”
“So what are the grounds rules Counselor?”
“ As I said on the phone, you can ask Lucas any question you want, but I will advise him not to answer if I think the question is inappropriate.”
“Yeah fair enough. I want you to know this conversation is on the record and I will be recording it.”
“We understand, Sheriff. We are recording it as well.”
“Fair enough. So this is Seth Gibson, sheriff of Wayfare County. I am speaking with Lucas Severide in the presence of his lawyer Jason McDonnell. Lucas, you understand that anything you say here can and will be entered into evidence as part of an ongoing investigation of the murder of your parents?”
“Excuse me, sheriff. Is my client charged with any crime?”
“Not at this time.”
“So you are not reading him his rights?”
“No, I’m just advising him that this conversation is on the record.”
“Then let me remind you of the statuses around self-incrimination.”
“So noted Counselor. May I proceed?”
“With the stipulation that my client is here voluntarily and is interested in aiding the investigation into the horrific murder of his parents.”
“I understand that, Counselor.”
“You may proceed.”
“May I have your full name?”
“Lucas George Severide.”
“Your address?”
“Sheriff. Sorry to interrupt but my client is a patient in this hospital and has limited energy. Let’s just say his address is a matter of public record and proceed.”
“I’m just following protocol, Councillor. Do you live at 704 Drachma Lane?”
“That’s correct.”
“Do you live alone?”
“Yes.”
“Have you always lived there?”
“No.”
“Where did you live prior to this address?”
“In Kenosha, Wisconsin.”
“With your parents?”
“No, I had my own place.”
“Why did you come to Antion?”
“I believed the person responsible for my parent’s murder lived here.”
“And who might that be?”
“I’m not sure.”
“So you are speculating.”
“Yes.”
“Could it be that you are trying to deflect your own guilt?”
“Okay, Sheriff. That’s enough.”
“Let him answer, Counselor.”
“Lucas. Do not say a word. Sheriff this conversation is over.”
“Not saying anything is an admission.”
“Not in any court that I know of Sheriff. Good day sir.”
“You may think you are so smart, Counselor, but I’m going to nail this little prick and see that he is put away.”
“Don’t forget you are recording sheriff. Your threat is now a matter of the record. I have to believe that due process will wonder about a law enforcement officer with an obvious vendetta.”
“Up yours, Jason. This is not over.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #158

January 23, 2018January 22, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 36 Comments

yIn 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.

“I don’t have a coat on my arm.”

“You don’t need one.”

“I don’t have a beard.”

“You don’t need one.”

“I don’t have a white checkered shirt.”

“You don’t need one.”

“Blue jeans?”

“Nope.”

“What kind of apprenticeship is this anyway?”

“You are a photographer’s apprentice.”

“Sounds impressive.”

“Of course it is.”

“I don’t have a camera.”

“You’ll grow into one.”

“So what should I do other than use this phone?”

“Forget the phone. Make clicking noises.”

“Clicking noises?”

“Yes like this, click, click, click. Every time you take a picture make the noise.”

“I should take pictures?”

“You need to practice. Make the noise.”

“Click, click, click.”

“Not so fast, you need to rewind after every shot. Like this, click, whrrrr. Got it?”

“Click, whrrrr. Click, whrrrr. Click, whrrrr.”

“That’s it. Now let me see the photos.”

“What photos?”

“The ones you just took.”

“I didn’t take any.”

“Why not?”

“No camera.”

“Are you going to take this apprenticeship seriously or not?”

“Okay, here they are.”

“Hmmm. Could use a little more light. Try again.”

Ten Questions Not to Ask an Author

January 22, 2018January 21, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 117 Comments

The inspiration for this list was preparing myself to attend four book festivals this year. I was making a list of items that I needed, and it occurred to me that I should prepare some answers to obvious questions. One thing leads to another, and the list is born.

10 If you meet an author, do not ask the question, “Do you make a lot of money writing?” If you do, at best you might get a chuckle in reply. At worst, you might have to listen to a long diatribe about the meaning of art as opposed to monetary considerations. (Wow. You didn’t realize just how little the author made from his books did you, Dylan?)

9 If you meet an author, do not ask the question, “How does your spouse feel about your writing? If you do, at best you’ll get a two-word answer, “They’re Fine.” At worst, you may have to support a sobbing author on your shoulder. (Hopefully, the author is not getting your shirt wet. Right, Diego? Bu the way, you make a lovely pair.)

8 If you meet an author, do not ask the question, “So what is the difference between traditionally published and an indie?” If you do, at best you’ll get a solid objective answer. At worst, you will ask Tiny, the WWF champ, who has just received his 100th rejection letter from a traditional publisher. I imagine you hit a sore spot with Tiny, Drake. I think it is time to test those new running shoes. Yes, right now.)

7 If you meet an author, do not ask the question, “Is your book well written?” If you do, at best you will get a confused look. At worst, you may get a question in return to the effect of wondering if you have just arrived on the planet Earth. (Man, these authors are sensitive aren’t they, Douglass?)

6 If you meet an author, do not ask the question, “What do you do all day?” If you do, at best you’ll get a smart reply like, “Drink bourbon.” At worst, you have to listen to a detailed reiteration by the fifteen-minute segment on the entire twenty-four hour day. (The bodily function and romance parts you could have done without hey, Dean?)

5 If you meet an author, do not ask the question, “Have you written anything that I might have read.?” If you do, at best the author will ask you what you have read. At worst, you will be left standing in the middle of the room with a “Kick Me Hard,” sign on your back. (So you thought you were engaging huh, Dennis?)

4 If you meet an author, do not ask the question, “Do you really like to write?” If you do, at best the author will offer you a cookie. At worst, the sound of crickets will lead you to quickly determine the crashing stupidity of your question. (I guess if authors didn’t like to write they might do something else. Don’t you agree, Dexter?”

3 If you meet an author, do not ask the question, “Do you have any bestsellers? If you do, at best the author does. At worst, you will have probably opened a wound that the author has been trying to work around. (Seems strange to witness a complete meltdown doesn’t it, Drew?)

2 If you meet an author, do not ask the question, “What do you really do?” If you do, at best the author is a trust fund baby. At worst, the author’s response will be delivered at a decibel level designed to shatter glass. (Don’t just cover your ears, Duke. I would make plans to leave soon.)

1 If you meet an author, do not ask the question, “What makes you write?” If you do, at best you’ll get a “little voices in my head,” answer. At worst, you’ll be pressed to explain what makes you breathe, eat, and sleep. (You gotta wonder if that author had been drinking don’t you, Desmond? He sure was spirited.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Rockport Texas

January 21, 2018January 20, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 61 Comments

Rockport Texas is a town close to Port Aransas and was hit by Hurricane Harvey as well. Since the sun was out for the first time in ten years, the Producer and I decided to drive there and check up on how my books fared in the bookstores. Although we didn’t locate any books we found a number of things to look at.

This is a shot of a multi-tiered boat storage facility.

Here is one a little closer. This facility was packed with boats when the Hurricane hit.

Here is a shot of old town Rockport. (Excuse the sun glare) The brick gallery (Estelle Stair) is one place where my books are. The gallery is closed. The other place where my books were offered for sale is a bookstore which was blown away.

Here is a photo of across the street. You can see the blue tarp on the building.

I took this photo to give you an idea that Rockport is indeed on the water. This is one of the marinas.

This is a shot of the veteran’s memorial. There are names of Rockport residents who gave their lives in all the wars from 1914 on.

This is the Maritime Museum.

Unknown to us, the Rockport Fulton Market Days was in full swing. A number of pop-up with all kinds of crafts. We had to go look.

Attendees can visit this display and take what they need at no charge.

Here is a “look through” shot showing other displays

A festive occasion.

Terrific yard art

A beautiful Airstream full of clothes

Must have a food stand.

For Dan Antion, I had to take a picture of the soft pretzel booth

Let me leave you with a picture of the bay and beautiful sculpture.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “OC”

January 20, 2018January 19, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

Occupying my post today is Stream of Consciousness Saturday. So true. This weeks prompt is “oc.” That is correct, and the rules as laid down by the dungeon master, Linda Hill is to find a word that starts with “oc,” and use it. There are bonus points redeemable for a new Tesla if one starts and ends the post with an “oc” word. So now you know why the goofy opening. If you have some kind of desire to grapple with reality, go to Linda’s blog to find out how to attach your own electrodes. Here is the link.

https://lindaghill.com/2018/01/19/the-friday-reminder-for-socs-jusjojan-daily-prompt-jan-20th-2018/

“Occasionally I like to indulge in some creative writing.”

“As a person who occupies space in your life, I didn’t know this.”

“Well, it’s true. I like to dabble in the occult.”

“Have you any experience with an occult occurrence?”

“No. I like to make up the story. I’m not an occultist.”

“So you like to scare yourself. Do you do it to occlude a brain leak?”

“Can I just enjoy a leisure occupation without causing a major inquisition?”

“Well, I could see you being an oceanographer and writing about the sea.”

“What makes you say that? Is your octogenarian mind having a crisis?”

“No. I just think it would be nice to read about oceanfronts and the animals of the sea.”

“I see nothing wrong with an occasional story about the sea.”