Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Crying

December 2, 2025December 2, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 41 Comments

Today I opened Eternal Road – The final stop randomly to page 275. I closed my eyes and pointed to the page. The word nearest my finger was “crying.” This is our prompt today.

“Why are you crying?”

“Do I know you?”

“No, but I couldn’t help but notice that you are upset.”

“If so, then maybe you will leave me alone.”

“Well, okay. I just thought if you were in trouble, I could help.”

“I’m not in trouble, and I don’t think you can help.”

“Very well. I’ll just go.”

“Oh, wait. I’m being very rude. I’m sorry.”

“There’s nothing to be sorry about.”

“You were trying to be kind, and I was very ungrateful.”

“I could see that something was bothering you. It’s okay.”

“Can I tell you something?”

“Only if you want to.”

“My memory is not what it used to be.”

“That happens as we get older. I have the same problem.”

“You do? You look so young, I never could have guessed.”

“Why, thank you, but I can assure you looks are deceiving.”

“So is your forgetting serious?”

“Not really. Pretty classic. Go into a room and forget why kind of stuff.”

“I think mine is more severe.”

“Tell me. What have you forgotten?”

“I found this big walnut last week.”

“Yes.”

“I forgot where I buried it.”

“For heaven’s sake. That happens to me all the time.”

“It does?”

“Sure, I’ll stuff my cheeks with nuts and then run around and hide them only to forget where.”

“Wow. That makes me feel better.”

“Ah, yes. Don’t worry about it. When the snow comes, you’ll be able to sniff out your hidden treasures.”

“You have helped me. You want to chase me up that tree?”

“Be happy to do that. I’ll give you until the count of three.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Jaw

November 25, 2025November 24, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

Today I randomly opened Detour on the Eternal Road to page 167. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word closest to my finger is “jaw.” That will be the prompt today.

“What did you say?”

“You deserve a punch on the jaw is what I said.”

“Why’s that?”

“You are so rude that you need a lesson.”

“What did I do to you?”

“It’s not what you did to me. It’s what you took from me.”

“Now I’m really confused. What could I have taken from you?”

“My pride.”

“Huh?”

“Yeah. Everyone is looking at us, and if I don’t do something, I will lose face.”

“I’m so in the dark. What the heck are you talking about?”

“My egg. You’re sitting on my egg.”

“Whattt? This is my egg.”

“Your egg is over there. Your stupid mate moved it.”

“Oh, my goodness. Now that I have looked, you are right.”

“So get off.”

“Why don’t you just sit on my egg?”

“Penguins don’t do that. Last chance before I head butt you.”

“Okay, okay. Don’t get your feathers in a knot, I’m going.”

“You might want to clue in your idiot.”

“You can say stuff about me all you want, but keep my idiot out of this.”

“Yeah, he’s your burden. Thanks for keeping my egg warm.”

“No problem. Where is that idiot anyway?”

“Not my turn to watch him.”

“Very funny.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Fly

November 18, 2025November 17, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 61 Comments

Today I randomly opened The Last Drive to page 133. I closed my eyes and pointed to the page. The word nearest my finger is fly. This is our prompt today.

“How long have you been flying?”

“I can’t remember when I started.”

“That long ago?”

“I guess. How about you?”

“I just started maybe five years ago.”

“Wow, so you are a newbie.”

“Well, I think I’m a little more experienced than a newbie.”

“Yeah, you’re right. No offense, but I was comparing you to me.”

“No offense taken. So we are headed for the sunny South.”

“Yup. Can’t wait to get out of this cold weather.”

“I hear it’s going to be a hellacious winter.”

“I heard the same. I wish I had decided to fly to a warmer place earlier.”

“It is only going to get worse.”

“That’s what I hear. I saw our captain earlier.”

“You did. How’s he look?”

“Well. You know it is tough to tell competence just by looks.”

“I’m sure you are right. Any thoughts on the captain, though?”

“I was quite surprised that she is a goose.”

“Why are you surprised?”

“Normally, a gander leads the migration flight. It was a surprise, I’m all.”

“I’m sure she will be fine.”

“I agree. Oh, look. Time for take off.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Vehicle

November 4, 2025November 3, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 44 Comments

Today, I opened Detour on the Eternal Road to page 247. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. My finger was closest to the word”vehicle.” This is our prompt today.

“Which vehicle are we taking today?”

“That’s a hard decision.”

“Why’s that?”

“You know we have to make a good impression in town.”

“What does the choice of vehicle have to do with a good impression?”

“Oh, come on. You know how people are impressed by upscale transportation.”

“Well, I never gave it much thought. I’ll take your word for it.”

“Trust me. You show up in some dirty, low-priced item, and people will talk.”

“Okay. If that is the case, what are we going to take?”

“You know we need some assistance from the guy in black.”

“Yeah, and what happens if he chooses the wrong vehicle?”

“We resist.”

“Resist?”

“Yup. Stand up for our rights not to be laughed at.”

“You mean rear back.”

“Yeah, and whinny for all you are worth.”

“I’ll bet a kick would work too.”

“Careful with that.”

“Why?”

“That kind of behavior gets you a one-way trip to the glue factory.”

“Here he comes.”

“Looks like it’s going to be the new wagon.”

“We are okay with that?”

“Yup. Go with the man, son. He’ll be back for me.”

Tuesday Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Throat

October 28, 2025October 27, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 62 Comments

Today I opened Detour on the Eternal Road to page 69. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. My finger fell on the word “we are,” but the visible words were “her” and “throat.” I made an executive decision and chose ‘throat’ as our prompt. Also, I apologize for the blurry words. My iPhone was set incorrectly, so I got a nice, clear shot of my hand, but the background took a hit.

“You have a lovely throat.”

“Oh, stop. Do you know how many times I have heard that line?”

“You must believe it then.”

“Well, it is graceful.”

“And so pure looking.”

“What is with you anyway?”

“Please pay no attention to me. I have a neck fetish.”

“But you mentioned my throat.”

“Well, that goes hand in hand with the neck thing.”

“How did you happen to get like this?”

“It’s a long story.”

“I have plenty of time.”

“It may be a bit disturbing.”

“Look at me. Do you think I frighten easily?”

“I must say you do exhibit a lack of fear.”

“So tell me the story.”

“Okay. One night I was walking by the lake—”

“This lake?”

“As a matter of fact, yes.”

“Go on.”

“I decided to sit and rest since I had been walking for a while. While looking at the full moon reflected in the water, I felt a presence—”

“A ghost?”

“No, it turns out it was someone who looked very much like me.”

“This is getting good. Go on.”

“When I turned, there he was. Very handsome with an air of royalty —”

“He had a crown?”

“No, it was the way he held himself. Very regal and confident. He asked my name and then asked if he could sit with me. Something made me say yes, and so he sat. I can barely recall our discussion, but at one point he leaned over and I thought he was going to kiss me —”

“Wait. A guy was going to kiss you?”

“Yes, as it turned out, that didn’t happen.”

“What happened?”

“He bit me on the neck.”

“What?”

“You heard me. He bit me, and I passed out. When I woke, he was gone.”

“You must have been terrified.”

“Actually, I was at peace except for the side effects of the bite.”

“What side effects?”

“I can’t stand the daylight or garlic, and I have this overwhelming desire to bite others on the neck.”

“You are a vampire?”

“Yes.”

“No wonder you liked my neck.”

“Such a beautiful neck.”

“I think you’ll have to excuse me now. I need to get going.”

“I fully understand. I hope to see you around.”

“Not if you keep drooling over my neck.”

“I promise.”

“Lovely to meet you then. Ta ta for now.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Drive

October 21, 2025October 20, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 57 Comments

Today I randomly opened My GRL to page 167. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word closest to my finger is “drive.” This is our prompt.

“So how far of a drive it it?”

“Not long.”

“How long is not long?”

“Well let’s just say we will need to sleep in the car.”

“That long?”

“Would you rather stay home.”

“Let’s not take it too far. I was just trying to figure out how long we would be cooped up.”

“Cooped up? You sound like a chicken.”

“You know how much I hate that back seat.”

“I’ll be with you.”

“That’s another thing. You always take more that yoyr share of the space.”

“I resemble that remark.”

“As you should.”

“Okay I’ll make a deal.”

“How much will this cost me?”

“Not that kind of deal.”

“What kind then?”

“I’ll make sure you have half of the back seat if you don’t whine about the trip.”

“I don’t whine.”

“Okay no complaining then.”

“You have a deal.”

“Can we sing that 99 bottles of beer on the wall song that Dad likes.”

“If we must. He will probably start it anyway.”

“Will Mom have treats?”

“She always has treats.”

“Okay then. I’m ready oh wait. One more thing.”

“What’s that?”

“We need to have a window down.”

“Why so you can hang your head out and bark at everything we pass?”

“Yeah. How did you know?”

“It’s the same with every trip.”

“Okay but this time I’ll try not to barf.”

“That would be sweet.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Floor

October 14, 2025October 13, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 55 Comments

Today, I randomly opened Detour on the Eternal Road to page 137. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word closest to my finger is “floor.” This is our prompt.

“Not sure I can do it.”

“Oh, come on. I’ve done it a thousand times.”

“Yeah, but you’re older.”

“That has nothing to do with it.”

“Does so. You have experience.”

“Well, I think I have taught you everything you need to know.”

“But that was all theoretical stuff. This is the real thing.”

“Maybe your nerves are taking over. I’m telling you, if you follow my instructions, it will be a snap.”

“Why do I have to do it anyway?”

“Because I can’t keep living your life. You need to be able to take care of yourself.”

“That is a long stretch of openness.”

“I’ll give it to you. From here, that floor looks pretty foreboding. Trust me, once you get running, you’ll be in the kitchen in no time.”

“I’ll be safe there, right?”

“Under the stove, remember.”

“Lots of crumbs and no cat.”

“You got it.”

“One more thing.”

“Yes?”

“What if there is a trap under there?”

“Oh, please. What have I said about traps?”

“Don’t touch ’em.”

“Right. Now get going. You are a mouse and you’ve got this.”

“See you on the other side.”

“That’s my boy.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Registration

October 7, 2025October 6, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 50 Comments

Today, I randomly opened The Last Drive to page 181. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word nearest to my finger is ‘registration,’ which becomes our prompt.

“Your license and registration, please.”

“But officer, I didn’t do anything.”

“You are under suspicion of speeding. Please give me your license and registration.”

“Speeding? You have got to be kidding.”

“I don’t kid, sir. I’m going to ask you one more time for your license and registration.”

“Okay, here they are. I just don’t understand.”

“Well, Mr. Ah . . . Tuttle. I clocked you at 40 over the limit as you came over that hill.”

“Wait a minute. You clocked me at 40 over?”

“I just said that.”

“It’s impossible.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Not only can’t I go 40 over, I can’t even go 40.”

“Very funny, sir. Wait here while I check these credentials.”

“I would take a look at your dash cam, too.”

“Why’s that?”

“I think you will see that it wasn’t me who was going 40 over.”

“Who would it be then?”

“About a week ago, for whatever reason, I got into a race.”

“Ah, now we are getting somewhere.”

“It was a race with a hare.”

“A hare?”

“Yeah. It sounds stupid, but when the race started, the hare took a nap.”

“Then what?”

“Well, I think he overslept or goofed off and then had to hurry to catch up.”

“What does this have to do with the over 40?”

“I think it was the hare passing me who tripped your radar.”

“So what happens if you lose the race?”

“Well, the parable’s lesson of slow and steady goes out the window.”

“Let’s go to the patrol car. Here, I’ll carry you to save time. Ah ha. I see the hare on the dash cam.”

“So now he is going to win.”

“Not on my watch. Hold on, I’m going to ride you past the hare and then pull him over. This should give you time to finish.”

“You are the best Officer. From now on, you will be in the fable as well as the tortoise and the hare.”

“My grandkids will be so proud.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt

September 23, 2025September 22, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 49 Comments

Today I randomly opened Eternal Road – The final stop to page 109. With etes closed, I pointed to the page. The word closest to my finger is “shakes.” That is our prompt today. Also if you would like a Kindle copy of Eternal Road it will be free on Amazon in the US from October 2 through October 5th. I’ll publish a link and reminder nearer the event.

“You have the shakes. How come?”

“I’m not sure. I just can’t seem to get warm.”

“Have you eaten anything that may not agree?”

“You know I did have some fish last night. Maybe that’s it.”

“You can never be too careful.”

“Yeah I know. I thought it was fresh.”

“Were the eyes clear?”

“Yes and it was nicely chilled too.”

“Well, maybe that is not the reason then. Could be the weather.”

“It does seem colder for sure.”

“I think we are getting ready for winter. So how can I help you?”

“Just talking helps. I think the shakes are gone.”

“It’s pretty dangerous getting chilled. Especially up here.”

“I think I’m going to be okay.”

“That sounds great. How about a swim.?”

“Good idea. That will get my blood rolling for sure.”

“We can go visit the rookery and check out the chicks.”

“They are probably pretty big now. They are over five months old. We gotta watch out for the Mama’s though.”

“I know. Nothing riles a penguin Mama like the thought of a chick being disturbed.”

“Last one in is a rotten egg.”

I will be on a break from Friday September 26th until Thursday October 2nd.

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger point Prompt – “Appointment”

September 16, 2025September 15, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 54 Comments

Today, we randomly opened Eternal Road – The final stop to page 209. With my eyes closed, I pointed to the page, and my finger landed closest to the word “appointment.” This is our prompt today.

“Do you have an appointment?”

“No, but my tooth is killing me.”

“Let me ask the dentist if he can see you.”

“Tell him it’s an emergency.”

“I’ll be right back.”

“Excuse me, sir.”

“Yes?”

“If you don’t have an appointment, you are at the end of the line. Look around. There are several waiting to see the dentist.”

“I understand, but I’m in pain.”

“We are all in pain. So that doesn’t make you special.”

“Let’s see what the dentist says, shall we?”

“Just like the privileged ones. Don’t take responsibility and push good citizenship off on someone else.”