Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Shower

June 10, 2025June 9, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 67 Comments

Today I opened Circumstances of Childhood randomly to page 229. With eyes closed I pointed to the page. My finger fell closest to the word “shower.” That is our prompt.

“So what did the weatherman say?”

“We should experience a shower today.”

“It looks like more than a shower.”

“I admit the rain is falling pretty heavy.”

“It has been going on since last weekend.”

“I listened to the ten day forecast and it is supposed to continue as a shower.”

“Do you think it was a good idea to take this hike?”

“Sure why not? A little rain isn’t going to put a damper on our fun.”

“Okay I just don’t want to be too far from home.”

“Don’t worry we can get back pretty quick.”

“How far have we come?”

“I would say we are a day’s walk fro m home.”

“Not sure I want to get any further away.”

“That’s fine we can stay here for a while. You’ll see the rain is going to taper off and the sun will be out.”

“I hope so. I do recall Noah telling us not to go too far.”

“You know that old guy is nuts. He says there is going to be a flood but I don’t see any flood warnings.”

“Well all the same if the rain doesn’t slow down I think we should head back.”

“Okay That is a deal. Don’t forget we unicorns can run like the wind.”

“I know I just don’t want to get cut off by rising water. What if Noah is right?”

“Okay we can head back now. I see you are a little nervous.”

“That would make me feel a lot better.

* * *

Tomorrow I am pleased to host Dan Antion and Willow Willers on launch day of their new book, Poetic Justice. See you then

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Margaritas

June 3, 2025June 2, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 66 Comments

Today I opened My GRL to page 121 and with my eyes closed pointed to the page. My finger landed near the word margaritas. This is our prompt today.

“You know if you drink too much of that, you might fall.”

“Yeah, but it tastes so good.”

“Me, I can’t get past the salt on the rim.”

“You have to brush it off.”

“And that lime juice can be a little sour.”

“Oh, come on. There is enough agave nectar in there to offset the lime.”

“Only if it is made right.”

“Well, I’ve been coming to this place a long time, and they make them right.”

“I like the orange hint.”

“That’s a full measure of orange liqueur talking.”

“The cocktails out on the patio aspect of this place is nice.”

“Yeah. Fresh air and margaritas. Can’t beat it. I could spend the rest of the day with this glass.”

“You know, we do have to get back to work.”

“Sadly, I suppose you’re right.”

“Oh, oh.”

“What?”

“That couple is coming over to their table.”

“Means we need to adios. You know how those women scream when they see a bee.”

“I do have a question.”

“Shoot.”

“Do you think the honey tastes like a margarita after we have had a few. sips.”

“Naw. More like orange blossom. Let’s take off before that guy swats us into oblivion.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – “Laundering.”

May 27, 2025May 25, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

Today, I randomly opened Circumstances of Childhood to page 159, pointed to the page with my eyes closed, and my finger fell on the word “laundering.” This will be the prompt today.

“What are you doing?”

“The laundry. What does it look like?”

“I’m not really sure. I thought laundering was done in a machine.”

“Yeah, well, this is the best we’ve got. Rocks and the river bank.”

“That looks like a hard way to go.”

“If you have a better idea, I’d like to hear it.”

“No offense, but I can’t see how you do the laundry.”

“See this rock?”

“Yes.”

“I take this crawfish here and hit it on the rock.”

“So you are having lunch. Why did you say laundry?”

“Any fool could see I was eating. Asking what I was doing begged for a smart-assed answer.”

“I suppose.”

“Besides, I didn’t want to ask you to share my lunch.”

“Yeah, I really get that. I can get my own lunch.”

“Don’t be touching these crawfish. They’re mine.”

“Don’t worry. I’m going to hit that new restaurant.”

“The one with the spicy food?”

“Yeah.”

“How can you stand that heat?”

“I avoid it.”

“How?”

“I look for French fries and salad when I enter the dumpster. I leave the hot stuff to the rats.”

“Well, it seems that no self-respecting raccoon needs to dumpster dive. You can always fish.”

“With you guarding the river?”

“Okay, you got me there. Here, have a few mussels.”

“Oh, I’m allergic.”

“Then it’s the dumpster.”

“How about a crawfish?”

“I caught these myself. Why don’t you catch your own?”

“And get wet?”

“You sure you are a raccoon like me? You sound more like a pussy cat.”

“Hey, I got the mask.”

“You do. I think you are hiding behind it.”

“Okay, step aside, I’m going into the river for crawfish.”

“Atta boy.”

Tuesday Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Wipes

May 20, 2025May 19, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 60 Comments

Today, I randomly opened the second book in the Eternal Road series to page 175. With my eyes closed, I pointed to the page, and my finger fell on the word “wipes.” This is our prompt today.

The following story manifests my feelings when I visit a store and the item I need is not there. I found it satisfying to write. Perhaps by reading it, you can also find a degree of satisfaction in the fact that Mrs. Delancy speaks for all of us.

“We are out of wipes again, Jerry.”

“We are always out of wipes. We can’t keep them in stock.”

“Is there a run on those things or what?”

“I think there might be some kind of manufacturing problem.”

“You would think if we could get a bunch of celebrities into space, we could get enough wipes.”

“So what are we going to do, boss?”

“Put a sign on the shelf and let everyone know we are out.”

“They can see that for themselves.”

“Okay, then make the sign read that the warehouse is out of wipes.”

“I guess that will keep people from complaining to us.”

“Excuse me.”

“Yes, Mrs. Delancy. What can we do for you?”

“You are out of wipes.”

“Yes, we know.”

“This is the third week. Normally, I wouldn’t say anything, but it’s been three weeks.”

“Well, we did have them in on Monday.”

“I wasn’t here Monday. I shop on Thursday.”

“I know Mrs. Delancy, I just wanted you to know it hasn’t been three weeks.”

“It has been three weeks for me. Three Thursdays in a row- no wipes.”

“We are sorry. The warehouse is out of wipes.”

“The warehouse?”

“Yes, they are out of wipes.”

“And that makes it okay, how?”

“What do you mean?”

“I need my wipes. Little FiFi makes messes, and I need the wipes.”

“How about paper towels?”

“You getting smart with me?”

“No, I just was presenting an alternative.”

“Do paper towels have a lovely lavender scent?”

“No, I—”

“You’re damn right they don’t.”

“No use getting upset, Mrs Delancy. I’m just trying to help.”

“If you want to help, you would get some wipes.”

“If the warehouse is out of them, what would you have me do?”

“Call the head of your company and get him on the phone with the head of the wipe company and let them know I need my wipes of else.”

“Or else? Wait, what is that?”

“It is the actuator to the bomb I have planted in the wipes section. If you don’t do as I say, you can kiss your store goodbye.”

“You are joking, right?”

“A wipes consumer scorned never jokes. Now let’s go to the office and make the call.”

“Easy now. Don’t make a mistake.”

“We are way past that. The mistake was being out of wipes. Get moving. And you, Jerry. Don’t make any funny moves either.”

“Don’t worry, Mrs. Delancy. I’ll stay right here while you and the boss take care of the problem.”

“You are a good boy, Jerry. I would stay out of the wipes aisle if I were you.”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – “Stood”

May 13, 2025May 12, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 49 Comments

Today, I opened Circumstances of Childhood to page 123. With my eyes closed, I pointed to the page, and nearest my finger was the word “stood.” This is the prompt for today.

“I never knew what this monument stood for.”

“Well, just read the inscription.”

“So many words.”

“Oh, come on. You can do it.”

“Alright, I’ll try in memory of General Kilgore Trout, who led his troops into victory during the great Cola Wars of the 1970s and 1980s. His most notable feat was battling the return of Classic Coke in 1985. General Trout was mortally wounded in the final battle to regain Classic Coke and succumbed to his injuries in 1986.”

“There. So now you know.”

“Yes. But now that I know, I have some feeling for General Trout.”

“Feelings? What kind of feelings?”

“That maybe we have been a little disrespectful to the general’s memory.”

“How so?”

“Sitting on him and such.”

“Don’t be silly. That’s what pigeons do.”

“Well, maybe I can eat less fiber and control myself.”

“Sure, you do that.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Prompt – Unfortunate

May 6, 2025May 5, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 62 Comments

Today, I randomly opened Eternal Road—The final stop to page 167. With my eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word closest to my finger was “unfortunate,” which is the prompt.

“Eat your food.”

“Aw, Mama, I just don’t like this.”

“Some unfortunate kids would love to have what you have.”

“Is there a way to get in touch with them?”

“Don’t be sassy, young man. ”

“If I don’t like this, how am I going to eat it?”

“If you don’t eat it, you will go to bed hungry since there is nothing else.”

“Aw gee,”

“Okay, try a little bit. Who knows, you may find it better than you think.”

“But it looks bad.”

“Close your eyes then.”

“What about the smell?”

“You know I worked hard to put this meal in front of you. I’m not pleased that you don’t like it.”

“Well, Mama. I’ll try to eat it. I just wish it wasn’t skunk.”

“That was all there was on the road.”

” Those eagle kids get fish and everything.”

“Well…We were born vultures and have to take what we can get.”

“Doesn’t seem fair.”

“That’s life, sweetheart.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – “Bothers”

April 22, 2025April 21, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 58 Comments

I opened Eternal Road – The final stop to page 181 and with my eyes closed I pointed to the page. My finger fell closest to the word “bothers.” That is our prompt today.

“So what bothers you most about the neighborhood.”

“What makes you think anything bothers me?”

“You have this grumpy look all the time.”

“I certainly can’t help the way I look.”

“But is it a frown or just the way those eyebrows are positioned.”

“You know I don’t spend a lot of time looking at myself. Let’s just say it is what it is.”

“Okay. Gosh no need to get upset.”

“I’m not upset but here it is hardly dawn and I’m having to explain how I look.”

“I can see why that would bother you. I was just wondering is all.”

“Okay then. How about we get on with the day.”

“We good then?”

“Yea we are good. What do you have planned?”

“I thought I would go fishing today. You want to come?”

“I wouldn’t mind going with you but I’m not much for catching fish. I mean I don’t really know how.”

“Well, I can show you how.”

“That would be nice. I think a change of diet might be a good thing.”

“What are you used to eating.”

“Mice.”

“Mice? Eww.”

“Oh come on. That is about all I can catch. I’m not a big ole eagle like you.”

“Do you know what they call you?”

“Yeah. Screech Owl.”

“Stupid name. You don’t screech. Those hawks screech.”

“Yeah enough to scare the bejesus out of you.”

“What ya say. Want to fish?”

“Sure. Let’s go.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Him the Wedding

April 8, 2025April 7, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 51 Comments

I randomly opened Detour on the Eternal Road to page 229. Three words were closest to my finger when I pointed at the page with my eyes closed. The words were “him the wedding.” I will give this a try as a prompt.

“When is the big day?”

“In another week.”

“You must be getting excited.”

“Excited about what?”

“Well, there’s him, the wedding, and all the people.”

“As far as “him” is concerned, we have known each other for years.”

“How about the wedding?”

“Everything is all planned. The food is ordered, the place selected, and invitations are out. We are ready.”

“How about your honeymoon?”

“We’ve decided to stay at home for a few weeks. He will need to get his head on straight after all that attention.”

“So you will have a wedding night at home.”

“We think it’s best. Besides, he’s a little self-conscious.”

“I guess I can understand that. I wish I knew who came up with that tradition anyway?”

“Yes, it does seem strange. I suppose there was a good reason, though.”

“Tell me a good reason why the first praying mantis bride ate the head of the groom.”

“Maybe she needed a snack.”

“Yeah, that would work. Anyway, best wishes to you both.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Skeptical

March 25, 2025March 24, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 76 Comments

Today I opens Detour on the Eternal Road randomly to page 167. With eyes closed I pointed to the page and the word skeptical was closest to my finger.

“Not sure I believe you.”

“Why so skeptical?”

“Just look at that thing.”

“What do you mean?”

“it looks dangerous to me.”

“Come on. I have worked it hundreds of times and look at me.”

“I’m looking. What am I supposed to see.”

“A picture of health.”

“So you say you have worked these things and they are safe?”

“Yes sir. Safe as safe can be. Ypu do have to take precautions though.”

“Like what?”

“You can’t just rush in and grab the prize. You have to take your time.”

“Can you show me?”

“I suppose I could but then how are you to learn?”

“I could do the next one.”

“These things only show up once in a while. Next time may be a long time. You’re hungry aren’t you?”

“Yeah I could eat that whole thing myself.”

“You don’t want to do that. You’ll get a stomach ache.”

“Okay I do it. What’s the first thing?”

“See that bar and spring?”

“Yeah.”

“When you step on that pedal it releases that bar and a big ole metal thing is driven by that spring. If you are on the pedal the metal thing will trap you.”

“So what do I do?”

“You come in from the side and get a good grip on the cheese. Then you rip it off the pedal carefully. Done right you have the cheese and the trap is undisturbed.”

“Takes nerves of steel.”

“Yes to match that metal thing. Now go ahead and give it a try.”

“I’m very nervous.”

“Think how good that cheddar will taste.”

“You’re right. Here I go.”

(No mice were harmed in the making of this post)

Tuesday – Anything Possible -Finger Point Prompt – “Face”

March 4, 2025March 3, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 62 Comments

I randomly opened Detour on the Eternal Road to page 205. With my eyes closed I pointed to the page. The word closest to my finger was “face.” That is the prompt today.

“That was an about face.”

“What do you mean?”

“You said you would support me in front of the boss.”

“I did support you.”

“Oh, really?”

“Now, what’s that supposed to mean?”

“Well, if you don’t know then I don’t know what to say.”

“How about you quit running around the bush and come out with it.”

“It bewilders me that you don’t know what I’m talking about.”

“You are mad cause you think I didn’t support you in there.”

“Damn right.”

“But I don’t understand why you think I didn’t support you.”