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

July 1, 2025June 30, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 52 Comments

Today I randomly opened Eternal Road – The final stop to page 201. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page, and the word nearest my finger was planet. Planet is our prompt today.

“What planet are you on?”

“Whatya mean?”

“I mean, are you crazy?”

“What makes you ask that?”

“The way you are looking at that plant.”

“I just think it looks terrific, is all.”

“That is not the look I see.”

“Okay, smart one. What do you see?”

“I see someone who is coveting something that he has no business coveting.”

“Covet? What does that mean?”

“Means you have designs on making something that doesn’t belong to you, yours.”

“Wow. You are deep into psychology today, aren’t you?”

“I just know you. When you get that look, you’ll move Heaven and Earth to get what you want.”

“I always admire that in myself.”

“That may well be, but that plant does not belong to you.”

“I think I would be a better steward. Look at those leaves. They look wilted to me.”

“They are not wilted. You are just making that up. Besides, that plant is way too big for you to carry.”

“Oh, come on. Where there is a will, there is a way.”

“Is that the secret to your success?”

“No. I think my secret is high hopes. High apple pie in the sky hopes.”

“So you are going to take that rubber tree plant?”

“Hold my beer.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point prompt – Departure

June 24, 2025June 23, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

Today, I opened the second book in the Eternal Road series: The Last Drive randomly to page 119 and pointed with my eyes closed. The word closest to my finger is “departure.” This is our prompt today.

“Do you have everything?”

“I think so.”

“Do we need to do a checklist?”

“Naw. I think I remembered everything.”

“This is a big step in life for you. How do you feel?”

“I’m a little nervous but am looking forward to learning more.”

“It seems like yesterday that you were so small.”

“Yeah, but now I’m fully grown.”

“Well, at least your body has grown. Your brain needs a little more time.”

“This is why you are sending me off, right?”

“Yes, dear. You cannot stay and continue to grow into a responsible adult. You need learning and experience that your dad and I can’t give you.”

“Well, I’m going to miss you both. Where is Dad anyway?”

“I don’t think he could stand to say goodbye, so he went fishing.”

“Yeah, I get that. Well, tell him goodbye, and I’ll see him later.”

“I will do that, my precious. Now spread those wings and get going. Don’t forget you are an eagle,. A bald eagle, so be proud of your heritage.”

“I won’t forget Mama. Goodbye. I love you.”

“I love you, son. Make us proud.”

“Mom, don’t cry.”

“Bitter sweet, my boy. Go now.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Punch

June 17, 2025June 16, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 54 Comments

Today I randomly opened Our Justice to page 53 and pointed to the page with eyes closed. The word “punch ” was closest to my finger, our prompt today.

“Go ahead. Take a swing.”

“Oh, come on. I’m not going to punch you.”

“But that’s what you said.”

“Yeah, I used the word, but in a different context.”

“Let me quote you. ‘If you don’t leave the girl alone, you’ll get a punch.'”

“Yes, that’s accurate.”

“So what part of that wasn’t a threat that you will punch me?”

“What I meant was the girl would likely punch you if you didn’t quit annoying her, not me.”

“Well, she didn’t.”

“Yeah, that’s because you turned on me instead.”

“Besides, I wasn’t annoying her. She was asking me for a ride.”

“Why would she ask you for a ride?”

“Hello. I’m a horse. She is all dressed for riding, so why not?”

“No one asks me for a ride.”

“That’s cause you are a donkey.”

“I don’t see the difference. I have four legs and can support the weight.”

“But you are not sleek-looking, and your voice is annoying.”

“Who said that?”

“It’s a fact.”

“Well, that is disheartening.”

“Forget it. I’ll run with you.”

“I appreciate that, but it doesn’t make up for no one wanting to ride me.”

“I’ll tell you, having a Gen X spoiled kid on your back is no picnic. Be glad.”

“Well, I see what you are saying.”

“Besides, you do a great job keeping the coyotes out of the pasture.”

“You’ve made me feel better.”

“Great. Let’s go run before that girl comes back.”

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?”