Tag: fiction favorites

Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy Visit

~ John W. Howell ~ 43 Comments

Lucy

“Hi, Boss.”

“Hi, Lucy. What do you want.”

“I was thinking about this post.”

“Everyone’s going to believe that one, but okay what were you thinking?”

“The title is ‘A Little Personal’ right?”

“Yes, it is.”

“And mostly when you are doing animals you are putting pictures of those stupid seagulls, herons, pelicans, and what not.”

“Stupid is a harsh word but yes.”

“What is wrong with putting pictures of Bailey, Stella, and me?”

“There is nothing wrong. Here let me put up a shot of bailey.

Bailey

“What about Stella?”

“Here is one of Stella. You know how hard she is to capture on film right?”

“Yeah but run it anyway.”

“Okay here it is”

Stella

“Now how about some action shots. You know some video of Baily and I doing a ruckus in the yard.”

“You are kidding me, right? Here is an action shot of you two.”

Lucy na d Bailey

“Aw come on. We have others”

“Hmmm let me look. Oh here is one.”

Lucy and Bailey

“You ran that one before.”

“For heaven’s sake. Try this one.”

Lucy and Bailey

“Now we are backsliding. Any more of Stella?”

“Here’s one.”

Stella

“I think I’m going to give up.”

Lucy

“Well, you did manage to get some exposure. I’m sure everyone thought you were precious.”

“Come closer and say I’m precious.”

“Time to sign off. Say goodbye, Lucy.”

“Goodbye Lucy.”

 

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 49 Comments

Hump Day

 

It is Wednesday Story Time again. Last week we left Mrs. Murphy and Lucas discussing Lucas’ personality. From the discussion, we got a distinct impression that Mrs. Murphy cared about Lucas and maybe cared a little too much. It is time for Lucas to get back to work and that is where we left off.
“Thank you again, Mrs. Murphy. Talk to you later.”
“Be careful on that ladder, Lucas. mind your feet and hang on.”
“Yes, ma’am. I will.”
“And don’t look down to much it’ll make you dizzy.”
“Miss Harriet. I’ve been on ladders since I was six. Don’t you worry.”
“Maybe I’m being silly, but I hate heights myself and just don’t know how you can handle it up there.”
“It’s fine ma’am. I’m like a chimpanzee.”
“Mind if I watch you go up?“
“No that is fine with me. See I put one foot at a time on the rungs and make sure I have a hand free to grip.”
“Doesn’t that paint can get in the way? Shouldn’t you use a rope to haul it up after you get there?”
“Aw, that takes a lot of time Mis Harriet. it’s just as easy this way.”
“What? I can’t hear you.”
“I think I’m up so high my voice is trailing off.”
“All I heard was off, Lucas.”
“MRS. MURPHY. CAN YOU HEAR ME?”
“Yes, Lucas when you yell like that I can.”
“OKAY THEN. EVERYTHING”S FINE. I’M GOING TO START PAINTING NOW.
“As for me, I’m going in the house. I can’t stand to watch anymore.”
“HA HA HA. DON’T WORR— OOPS OH MY GOSH YAAAAA.”
“W-wha? Lucas are you all right?
“Mmmmumgh.”
“Lucas speak to me. Are you okay?”
“Nine…one…one.”
“Yes. I’ll be right back. I’m going in to call.”
“H-hurry Mrs. Murph—”
“Don’t Lucas. Stay with me, Lucas. Lucas. Lucas open your eyes. Help me, someone. Please help me.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible Creative Kue #122 by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

Keith explains. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr 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.

Kreative Kue #122
Talkin’ to Me? By John W.Howell © 2017

“Psst. Hey, mister.”

“W-what? Who said that?”

“You waiting to see the doc?”

“Are you talking to me?”

“Who else is in the room. Look around. No one here but us two.”

“Wait a minute. Cats can’t talk. Is this some kind of prank?”

“It would be called a punked. And no this is not that.”

“So what is it? Somebody throwing their voice?”

“No. See my lips moving. I’m really trying to talk to you.”

“So what do you want?”

“I’ll tell you what I don’t want.”

“Whats that?”

“The damn operation that’s what.”

“What operation?”

“Man, you are real quick aren’t you?”

“No need to be rude.”

“Yeah, sorry. I’m using my cat brain and my human voice. Sometimes the two don’t work together right.”

“No problem. Let me ask again, what operation? You look fine to me.”

“Then why do they say I need to be fixed. I don’t feel broken.”

“Oh, I get it. You’re going to be neutered.”

“Neutered? What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“It means you won’t be able to sire more cats.”

“And how is this a good thing?”

“Well, for one thing, you won’t be bringing unwanted and perhaps abandoned kittens into the world.”

“I get that. What do I get out of this deal?”

“You won’t be fighting with other cats and will possibly live longer.”

“Okay, most of my fights are over romance. Are you saying there is no more romance?”

“Yup. All of that will be forgotten.”

“So they are going to fix my brain?”

“No. Just the things that cause your brain to go crazy at the sight of a female. Everything else remains the same.”

“So no fights and no romance and you say I may live longer.”

“That’s what they tell me.”

“Maybe it just seems like you live longer with all that boredom.”

“I wouldn’t know.”

“You been fixed?”

“More or less son. More or less.”

 

 

Top Ten Things Not to Do in Your Spouse’s New Car

~ John W. Howell ~ 60 Comments

New Car

 

The inspiration for the list was the rotation of an old car for a new car for my wife. Yes, it was her turn for a new vehicle and brought to mind some of the things that I will never even think of doing in it.

Top Ten Things Not to Do in Your Spouse’s New Car

10 In your spouse’s new car, do not eat a fast food anything. If you do, at best the lingering smell will give you away. At worst, all efforts to contain the mustard will fail in one small conspicuous spot. (You never thought mustard could stain leather did you, Ferd?)

9 In your spouse’s new car, do not park anywhere near the shopping cart return area. If you do, at best all the returns will be in the slot. At worst, the car will collect shopping carts as if it is a magnet. (Maybe you could claim you were attacked by zombie shopping carts huh, Bosco?)

8 In your spouse’s new car do not take the dog. If you do, at best you’ll need to vacuum out the hair. At worst, the dog needed a nail trim and a bath so now the seats are not only dirty but also scratched. (You could claim a wild raccoon got in an open window or just leave home, Buford.)

7 In your spouses new car, do not pick up anything from Home Depot. If you do, at best the potting sold dirt can be cleaned up. At worst, the technician forgot to replace the oil cap on that chain saw which makes the back seat area look like a CSI crime scene. (Don’t worry about the consequences Tex. You won’t live to see tomorrow.)

6 In your spouse’s new car, do not follow that gravel truck. If you do at best you’ll stay back far enough to avoid the falling rocks. At worst, the replacement windshield is only $1200.00. (You better hope the guy can get it done today huh, Bunky?)

5 In your spouse’s car, do not park in a tight spot. If you do, at best your neighbors will take great care not to ding your car. At worst, you’ve blocked in Tiny the WWF champ who has just arrived to attend his first counseling session on overcoming claustrophobia. (No telling when he will stop trying to get out of his car. Maybe when his door falls off or your car has been crushed enough to give him freedom, Putz.)

4 In your spouse’s car, do not change the radio. if you do, at best you can remember to set it back to the original station. At worst, you will forget and be the recipient of a “no use” order. (Hard to follow that order when your car is blocked in huh, Buster? Hint. Don’t even think about taking that car.)

3 In your spouses car, do not exceed the speed limit when told not to do it. If you do, at best no one will know. At worst, even though you tried to cover it up, your ticket is being used as a training event for the local police and covered by the six o’clock news. (Your best bet is hit the circuit breaker at 5:59 and blame a power outage. Handling the neighbor phone calls will be a trickier matter huh, Ralph?)

2 In your spouses car, do not have a cup of hot coffee while you drive. If you do, at best that small spill will be caught by your shirt. At worst, the unseen pothole makes the coffee go airborne leaving some interesting stain patterns on the light-colored upholstery. (You now know that those OXY-Clean commercials overpromise huh, Pal?)

1 In your spouse’s car, do not drive on that new asphalt road. If you do, at best a few spots will come off with mineral spirits. At worst, your spouse’s white car appears as if it is a prop in a new One hundred and One Dalmatian film. (The sad part is you were told to avoid that area right, Pard?)

 

Views of the Neighborhood

~ John W. Howell ~ 43 Comments

Today’s Views of the Neighborhood is all about the ferries that connect our island to the mainland. There are two ways on and off the island. The first is a causeway at the South end of the island and the second is a ferry ride at the North end.

Here is an archive photo of Mitzi the first ferry to serve our Island in 1922.

First Ferry

This next archive photo is of the Nellie B in service in the 1930s and 40s. In 1968 the Texas Department of Transportation took over ferry operations and the rides became toll-free.

PA Photo

Now in modern times, the Ferry service has the latest equipment and technology.

This sign gives ferry riders an idea of how long the wait will be in enough time to turn around if they choose.

Port Aransas Ferry

This is a shot of the latest ferry put into service in 2010. It carries twenty-eight cars. There are two of these giants.

The next photo is of the older and smaller twenty car model of which there are six.

This photo is of the landing at Aransas Pass on the other side of the channel.

Here is a shot of the Port Aransas side of the channel

You may have noticed that each of the Ferries has a name. The names of the Ferries are past Executive Directors of the Texas Department of Transportation. Here is a close up of the Arnold W. Oliver.

 

These mothballed oil drilling rigs are across from the Port Aransas side.

It just so happened that a freighter was passing by.

Then a barge going in the opposite direction

In front of the barge is a dolphin surfing the bow wave.

My producer said to leave out the drilling rigs, freighter, and barge pictures but then Dan Antion’s voice hit my ear. “Leave ’em in,” he whispered.

Ferry operations are twentyfour hours a day seven days a week, 52 weeks of the year.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Inter-“

~ John W. Howell ~ 38 Comments

SOCS

 

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this week’s prompt is “Inter—” Yes, that’s right we must use words that begin with Inter. If you would like to join in, I would suggest a visit to the feelings doctor. No, wait that’s not right. I would suggest a visit to Linda Hill’s blog to find out how. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2017/05/05/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-may-617/

Inter by John W. Howell © 2107

“Now class I want you to intermingle with the international students during intermission.”

“Aw gee Mr. Thompson. Do we have to?”

“Billy,  how are we going to interchange knowledge of our cultures if we don’t interact with one another?”

“Oh, I don’t know. maybe we can play baseball or something.”

“I’m not sure our colleagues will be interested in a game that is not internalized in their own country.”

“Huh?”

“Baseball is intertwined in the fabric of America but has not been consistently interpenetrated in the rest of the world.”

“We could teach them.”

“Interesting concept, Billy. Let me interpolate your offer to the other counselors and see if there are any interregional possibilities to make that happen.”

“Huh?”

“I’m going to interview the other counselors to see if they can interpret to everyone some form of a game that you all can play.”

“Oh.”

“In the interim I want you to be prepared to interchange the skills of the game with others.”

“Okay. I will be ready.”

“And if you need an intermediary intermittently or on a regular interval just call on me.”

“Sure, Mr. Thompson. The first thing I need is an interpreter.”

“How come?”

“To interpose your words into something I can understand.”

“That hurts, Billy.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA TGIF

~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

TGIF

 

Lovely Friday. Eight hours until the weekend. (or at least weekend eve) How was your week? Mine was pretty tame. I’m still hitting 1000 words a day which is a good thing. Also, I have a beta read which needs daily attention if I’m going to make the deadline.

My editor has begun work on the next book, so that is a good thing. Still shooting for September.

I tweaked my Amazon Marketing Service ad with a different blurb. I only want to change one thing at a time.  I kept the keywords constant, so we’ll see how it goes.

This week’s JohnKu talks about what is important to an author. I hope you have a wonderful week.

Author Satisfaction by John W. Howell © 2017

Some say it’s to write,

Others insist book sales rule . . .

Only the heart knows.

Thursday – A Little Personal

~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

I have a few photos that don’t really have a home on the Views of the Neighborhood post so like last week I thought I would just run them for no real reason other than I like them. I hope you do as well.

The first is a morning shot of the Gulf. I liked the way the sun reflection made the water appear to be made of Mercury and the clouds like steel.

Morning shot of the Gulf

The next photo is of the ARK turtle patrol. The volunteers travel the length of the island searching for nesting turtles. When found the eggs are gathered and hatched in a nursery. The baby turtles are then released when thy are older enough. These efforts have saved Loggerhead turtles from extinction.

Turtle Patrol

The next series are of various sand drawings left by visitors to the beach.

A horse of course.

Sand drawings

A self-critique of the artwork

Must have a mermaid

A dentist on Holiday

Healthy Smiles

So where are we? And what year is it?

Texas

That is about it.

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 46 Comments

Hump Day

 

It is Wednesday Story Day time again, and last week we left Lucas and the Sheriff as they were finishing up a chat about Lucas’ past. We need to get back to the widow’s house since I see her coming out onto the porch.
“Oh, Lucas.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Do you need some water?”
“No Ma’am I have some.”
“Okay just let me know if your out.”
“I will ma’am.”
“I still prefer Harriet.”
“Yes, Miss Harriet. I will call you if I need more water.”
“Good boy. What did you and the Sheriff talk about?”
“Oh, he just wanted to fill me in on what he knew about my parent’s case.”
“Did he know a lot?”
“He didn’t tell you?”
“Well no not everything.”
“What did he tell you.”
“Um, just about the fact that your parents were murdered. I’m so sorry Lucas.”
“Didn’t he warn you to watch out.”
“He did mention something like that.”
“Aren’t you afraid?”
“Of you. Goodness no.”
“Why’s that Miss Harriet.”
“I think you are someone who needs a friend and are not a murderer.”
“You are the only one in the two state area that thinks so, Miss Harriet.”
“The heck with them, Lucas. I can see you are a good boy. A little scary, but a good boy.”
“Scary how?”
“It is hard to describe. Maybe it is your personality or your lack of emotion. I can’t really tell.”
“Do I scare you?”
“Not really. You cause me concern is all.”
“What kind of concern?”
“That you have been through so much and that you don’t somehow get crazy.”
“The ‘somehow crazy’ is a concern of mine as well. Well, I’d better get back to work.”
“Okay, Lucas. Call me if you need anything at all.”
“I will and Miss Harriet.”
“Yes, Lucas.”
“Thank you for being so kind.”
“Not at all, Lucas. I like you.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Creative Kue #121 by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 31 Comments

Keith explains, “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr 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.

Kreative Kue #121

The Wizard by John W. Howell © 2017

“Who knocks at the portal of the Great Grand Inquisitor?”

“We have a candidate who is unworthy.”

“Any worst than the last one.”

“Well thins one is certainly not as pretty.”

“Speaking of that check on her and see if she is still breathing.”

“Yes, sir. She’s asleep in her chair.”

“So what brings this candidate to my lair … er … portal?”

“This person wants wisdom sire.”

“Wisdom? Is he out of his mind?”

“Why would that be your highness?”

“With wisdom comes responsibility. look at him.”

“The blindfold you mean.?”

“Not him. The other guy.”

“The other guy is me, sire.”

“Now you have me confused. Who is the candidate?”

“This one in the blue shirt with the blindfold.”

“Why the blindfold?”

“To keep our secrets sacred.”

“What secrets?”

“Gosh, boss I don’t know. I just thought there were things people shouldn’t see.”

“I’m beginning to wonder about you.”

“A-about me? Why about me?”

“Well, for one thing, there’s the blindfold. For another you have all these weird lights running around the room. They are making me dizzy. Also, who is the guy holding up the wall? Finally, where did you get that tie?”

“Okay, I get it. You have some doubts about me. I can assure you all these things can be fixed.”

“Okay. Fix them, and we will talk.”

“What about the candidate?”

“Can he hear us?”

“Yes.”

“Candidate.”

“Y-yes sir.”

“Go in peace.”

“Thank you, sir. Uh, one question.”

“Yes?”

“I’m broke and wonder if you can you help me out?”

“Sure. Which way did you come in?”