Thursday a Little Personal – Interview with John J. Cannon

May 12, 2016May 12, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 39 Comments

Today we are pleased to have John J. Cannon on Fiction Favorites. John is the hero of the John Cannon Trilogy and from all accounts a very nice guy.

FF. “Welcome, John. it is a pleasure having you here today.”

John. Believe me; the pleasure is all mine. I have been wondering what this place looked like ever since I met John W. Howell. Thank you for the kind introduction.”

FF. “I hope you are not disappointed. We don’t get too many visitors here in the garret.”

John. “I think it’s nice. I like the view, and the coffee is great.”

FF. “So John, some of the reviews of My GRL and His Revenge keep describing you as a reluctant hero. What does that mean to you?”

John. “I have always wondered about those descriptions. I guess it means I’m not some muscle-bound hero type.”

FF. “How does that make you feel?”

John. “I’m good with it. I’m an average person after all.”

FF. “You are a lawyer.”

John. *Laughs* “Yes that’s true. I can’t avoid my chosen career.”

FF. “I know you want to be a charter captain. How does that square with being a lawyer.”

John. “Some would say being a lawyer is a good experience for catching sharks. Seriously I just needed to get away for a while.”

FF. “Your boat My GRL was destroyed. Did you get a new one?”

John. “I sure tried, but I ran into more trouble with certain people trying to kill me.”

FF. “Can you name them?”

John. “I would like to but since there is an ongoing investigation I can’t.”

FF. “So you know who they are?”

John. “After dealing with them in My GRL and His Revenge, I certainly do.”

FF. “How about the police.”

John. “You wouldn’t believe how many agencies are involved. The people responsible are very wealthy and smart. I was very lucky to get away.”

FF. I noticed that your author has another book almost ready to be launched.’

John. “Yes, you are referring to Our Justice.”

FF. “That’s the one. Will this bring some closure to this terrorist situation?”

John. “I think the title leads us to that conclusion. of course, I have not been given the liberty to disclose anything.’

FF. “Liberty? By whom?”

John. “That guy looking at us right now. John W. Howell.”

FF. “I get it. You need to say no more.”

John. “I would like to mention that over to the right and just below this post the reader can find enough links to My GRL and His Revenge to choke a horse. You can click on them if you want more of the story.”

FF. Well, John it has been nice but we need to wrap-up. Any last thoughts?”

John. “Thanks for having me and could I get another cup of coffee?”

Wednesday – Story Day – AKA Hump Day

May 11, 2016May 9, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 28 Comments

College meme

Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we left Ben concluding a conversation with Father Lightfoot (Raymond). Raymond promised to talk to Mrs. Worthe and let her know Ben kept his mouth shut. Raymond also told Ben he would be in touch to presumably set up a system where Ben can report the comings and goings of Mr. and Mrs. Worthe. I see Mrs. Worthe joining Ben, who is still in the emergency room area. We should go and join them some don’t miss anything.
“Well, well, well.”
“Yes, Mrs. Worthe. What is it?”
“I just talked to Father Lightloafers.”
“Okay. What’s the well, well, well about?”
“You tell me. What do you think it’s about.”
“I have no idea. How could I know what you and Father Lightfoot talked about? I wasn’t there.
“Oh, come on Ben. You must have a clue.”
“I wish I did have a clue. Sorry, I can’t hope to be able to tell you about a conversation that took place out of my earshot.”
“Alright, Ben. I’ll tell you.”
“Don’t hurt yourself okay?”
“Don’t get smart with me young man. The good father said you and he had a nice chat and that it might be right for you to attend church more.”
“Oh how nice of him.”
“He told me that you and he had a little conversation about religion.”
“I suppose me telling him I’m Jewish might have touched on religion.”
“What he didn’t talk about was explosives.”
“Why would he talk about explosives?“
“He wouldn’t unless you brought u[ the subject.”
“Well, I didn’t.”
“I guess not. Good for you.”
“Yeah, your threats caused me to hold my tongue.’
“Good boy. I knew you were a smart one.”
“What now?”
“We need to see the doctor and find out what they are going to do with you.”
“I hope I can stay a couple of days.’
“Why on earth would you want to stay?”
“For one thing, I know I can watch my thumb closer here.”
“Oh, Ben. You are such a jokester. Your thumb will be perfectly safe at my house.”
“Your house? I want to go to my place.”
“Sorry. Out of the question Ben. I need to help you get better.”
“And keep an eye on me?”
“Well, that too. “
“Boy, this just keeps on getting better and better.”
“Aw, dear Ben. You ain’t seen nothing yet.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Creative Kue #76 by Keith Channing

May 10, 2016May 9, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 22 Comments

Here is what Keith Channing has to say about this photo prompt. “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 – for reasons I have yet to fathom, pingbacks don’t seem to be working.

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 #76

“Yeah go on you dopes. I don’t care if you leave me.”

“What is he saying?”

“I don’t know. Something about leaving him.”

“Just relax Blackie We’ll be right back.”

“Yeah, sure. You always say that and then I find myself sitting here and waiting.”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake. You guys go ahead I’ll sit here with Blackie till you get back.”

“Aw gee, thanks, Robin.”

“You are such a baby sometimes.”

“Well, I hate to bring it up, but you guys left me at the park. Remember?”

“That was because it was raining cats and dogs and we needed to take shelter.”

“And what about me. I sat on the bench until I was wet to the skin. I waited and waited.”

“A whole five minutes.”

“I’m a bird remember. Five minutes are like five hours in bird time.”

“Please spare me the dramatics. You’ll be okay. I’m here with you. By the way, why did you pick this table to stand on?”

“You don’t like red. I’m surprised given the red breast and all.”

“I’ll thank you to keep your eyes up North.”

“Jeez. I didn’t mean anything. I was talking about color.”

“You know, it’s amazing.”

“What?”

“You’re blushing.”

“How do you know?”

“You have this glow. Kind of a crow blush if that’s a thing.”

“You did shock me with that eyes comment.”

“I was teasing. You can look at my red breast anytime you want. It is quite cute.”

“When do you think the others will be back?”

“I would say after they case the fry situation at McDonald’s and the bread crumb outlook at Panera.”

“Did you order?”

“No, I’m on a diet.”

“A diet? Which one.”

“The Atkins Protean Diet.”

“What can you have on that?”

“Worms. Nothing but worms.”

“Yuk. How do you stand it.”

“I hold my beak. It’s still disgusting.”

“Maybe you should exercise more.”

“You calling me fat?”

“Aw gee.”

Ten Things Not to Do if Your House is For Sale

May 9, 2016May 8, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 44 Comments

House4Sale_display The inspiration for this list came to me while I was witnessing a couple of houses for sale. I figured that among other things these items would be pretty obvious. I have to believe they were just not top of mind when the listing broker showed up to sign the listing. Of course, no listing broker worth their salt would point out particular areas needing improvement until the agreement is signed. After the ink is dry, it is hoped some discussion would take place.

Top Ten Things Not to do if Your House is For Sale

10 If your house is for sale, do not decide to make your regular batch of sour kraut during the broker open house. If you do, at best those attending are all sour kraut lovers. At worst, small notes will be made on the file to the effect that a complete cleaning will be needed to get rid of the dead animal smell. (Where did someone get the idea sour kraut smelled like a dead animal?)

9 If your house is for sale, do not assume everyone will overlook all the repairs that have been put off. At best, you might be able to save the deal by reducing the price to offset what is needs fixing. At worst, you will be the proud owner of this house until it falls. (Or until you get off your butt and get the repairs done.)

8 If your house is for sale, do not think the words, “Don’t mind the mess,” will cause the potential buyers to follow your advice. If you do, at best the potential buyers will politely spend a few moments and then disappear. At worst, the potential buyers will factor in the mess in their offer price. (How do you feel about paying the buyers $1000.00 per messy room in a reduced offer.)

7 If your house is for sale, do not think you can shove all your junk into the garage. If you do, at best your potential buyers will be the same kind of folks who don’t use their garage for cars. At worst, your potential buyers will assume all your junk will remain with the house and will make for the nearest exit. (Gee, you told them you would have all that stuff moved right?)

6 If your house is for sale, do not hang around while potential buyers are visiting. If you do, at best the potential buyers will think you don’t trust them. At worst, the potential buyers will believe that you have some creepy alternative motive for spying on them. (The creepiness of the motive will escalate the more they see you.)

5 If your house is for sale, do not think your prize massive collection of garden gnomes has the same appeal to potential buyers. If you do, at best your potential buyers will wonder what other collections you have that will have to be shipped. At worst, your potential buyers will think your house is cursed by the garden people and will make tracks out of there. (Some of those ceramic folk look like they might be dangerous after dark)

4 If your house is for sale, do not leave your pet Parrott behind for the showing. If you do, at best the potential buyers will learn a couple of new words that Polly has heard from you. At worst, the potential buyers are both grossly allergic to exotic bird droppings due to many years serving in the Peace Corps in the jungle. (Your first inkling of a problem is the flashing EMT lights and police cars in front of your house all being interviewed by the Nightly News.)

3 If your house is for sale, do not go ahead with the plans for that four-week vacation. If you do, at best you will need to come home early to sign papers. At worst, you will come back after the vacation to find every light on, running water, and wide open doors due to some showings. (You hope you will be able to get rid of that swarm of mosquitoes which look like they are carrying malaria.)

2 If your house is for sale, do not forget to have your pest and house inspection. If you do forget, at best the potential buyers will have it done, and the finding repairs will be up to you. At worst, the potential buyers will employ “Midnight House Inspection and Pest Control,” whose fee depends on the amount of problems they can find. (You never knew you had a black widow spider infestation did you Bunkey?)

1 If your house is for sale, do not try to do it yourself. If you do, at best you will avoid obvious pitfalls of “for sale by owner.” At worst, you will find yourself in litigation over unforeseen issues which will be resolved by price reductions. (Makes the 7% commission look cheap now, doesn’t it?)

Sunday – Views of the Neighborhood

May 8, 2016September 15, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 39 Comments

This week was very unusual on the Gulf Coast. We were caught in a weather pattern called an Omega High (so named because of the jet stream shape resembling the Greek letter Omega). This Omega High caused the winds to die down to zero and as a result, the Gulf took on a calm as if it were a lake. Here is a photo of the calm.

To give you some comparison here is the photo taken last week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt Apparent/A Parent

May 7, 2016May 6, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 36 Comments

If it is Saturday, then it must be Stream of Consciousness time. This week’s prompt is Apparent/A Parent. Linda Hill says we can use both or either. Don’t you love the smell of freedom in the morning? If you would like to join in the fun, go to Linda’s site and learn how. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS May 7/16

“So which one did you chose?”

“I think it’s apparent if you think about it.”

“Apparent huh. Think about it huh. So you going to make me guess?”

“I think that would be fun. Give it a try.”

“Okay, I’ll play one time. I guess Harvard.”

“Wrong. Try again.”

“I said I was only going to play one time. You wanted to go to Harvard. What happened?”

“To tell you the truth a parent talked me out of it.”

“A parent? What the hell does that mean?”

“My dad asked me to consider all the schools before I made my choice.”

“Yeah so?”

“So, I looked at each one carefully and weighed all the pros and cons.”

“I know you can get into any school you choose so I’ll say MIT.”

“Nope. That one did rank up there, though.”

“Yale?”

“Nope.”

“Stanford?”

“Too far.”

“NYU?”

“No, I don’t think you will get it so let me just tell you.”

“Now we’re getting somewhere. Where for heaven’s sake?”

“Hoboken Barber College.”

“Uh. Say again.”

“Hoboken Barber College.”

“Barber College? You nuts?”

“No. Think of it. I will be out in three months and will be making good money cutting hair. My dad will be happy because I won’t be going to Harvard. He’s a Yale man you know.”

“You can’t be serious?”

“How did it sound?”

“Like you need to have some rest time in a rest home.”

“So when I lay that on my dad, do you think he will still have a problem with Harvard?”

“No wonder you have so many scholarships.”

“Good huh?”

“Yeah, great provided your dad doesn’t have a heart attack.”

“Naw. He runs marathons.”

“Good.”

“It’s apparent he can take it. Go for it.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

May 6, 2016May 5, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 38 Comments

Ah Friday

Another Friday and I have to say this week was quick. (I guess I always say that in one way or another) I spent some time with the youngest daughter helping hang some things (shelves, curtain rod, etc.) in her new apartment. It is always nice having some one on one time. She took me to a great place for dinner, and we had a chance to chat a little which is something I always enjoy. She is so adult that it is scary. The rest of the time was spent running around to various doctor appointments which is the life of a senior citizen.

I did mail the manuscript for Our Justice (The third of the John Cannon Trilogy) to the editor, and she is working on it now.

My JohnKu talks about feeling good about accomplishments. I hope you enjoy it.

Coming to the end,

Of a challenging project. . .

Think how accomplished.

Thursday – A Little Personal

May 5, 2016May 4, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 51 Comments

One of the things our Boxers Lucy (L) and Bailey (R) love to do is dig in the sand. They are especially happy when they come upon a gopher mound. To date, no gophers have been injured by these two. They continue to try but are up against a foe with superior intelligence. (Just looking at these two will confirm the previous sentence.)

Miners

Here they are. You be the judge.

Intelligent

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

May 4, 2016May 2, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 41 Comments

College photo Wednesday Story Time again. Last week we were surprised to find out that Father Lightfoot was, in fact, a FBI agent. I think Ben is in a bit of hot water since he unloaded the fact that he had planned to blow up the Student Union. I’m not sure but to the agent, this might sound like terrorism. Let’s go back to the hospital and see what is happening next.

“Yes, sir. I’m with the FBI. Now tell me a little more about this plan of Mrs. Worthe’s.”
“Gee father… er …Mr. Lightfoot. Do you think I need a lawyer?”
“You can call me Raymond, Ben. Why would you think you need a lawyer?”
“Well, I just told you I was going to blow up the Student Union. That’s a crime, and you are a FBI agent.”
“All true Ben. If you want to get a lawyer you sure can do that and we can stop talking right now.”
“You sound like there is an ‘or’ in there somewhere.”
“You are pretty perceptive Ben. There is an ‘or.”’
“What is it?”
“Well, we have had our eye on the Worthes for some time. They have been doing some strange things with offshore savings accounts. These activities seem not consistent with law-abiding behavior.”
“What do you think they’re doing?”
“We are not one-hundred percent sure. In fact, we have several agencies involved.”
“Several organizations?”
“Yes. As you know, the Worthes are authorized by the ATF to supply demolition materials for construction companies.”
“ATF?”
“Sorry. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. These are the guys responsible for policing the laws connected with these items. Explosives fall under the firearms section. The Treasury Department is interested in the money flow overseas.”
“Anyone else.”
“Yeah, Homeland Security is interested in the source of the money. The IRS is interested in taxes on the money. The CIA is wondering who is paying the money.”
“Is everyone standing in line?”
“No. The first line of the investigation rests with the FBI. We are authorized domestically and will be the liaison to the others. So here is the deal, Ben. You help us, and we will help you.”
“W-what do you want to know?”
“We want to know everything you know and then we want you to find out what is going on.”
“You expect me to spy on the Worthes?”
“Well, ‘spy’ is a harsh word. Let’s just say we would like you to report what is going on.”
“You know Mrs. Worthe doesn’t trust me. Right?”
“No, I did not know that. Hmmm, maybe we have the wrong person.’
“No, wait. I may have overstated the situation.”
“So what is it?”
“She wants to take my thumb to ensure that I don’t talk to anyone about what I know.”
“Oh, that. I’ll just tell her you didn’t say anything. She’ll believe me and then I think you will be good to go. No more talk now. We will be in touch.”
“How do you know she didn’t overhear this conversation?”
“The orderly outside works for me. I have texted him to get Mrs. Worthe now. I will have a private conversation with her. I’ll see you later.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Creative Kue #75 By Keith Channing

May 3, 2016May 2, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 19 Comments

Although the title of this post is Anything Possible, it seems that the possible becomes Keith Channing’s prompts. In his words, he 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 – for reasons I have yet to fathom, pingbacks don’t seem to be working.

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 #