Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

September 21, 2018September 20, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 52 Comments

“Okay, Twiggy time to get moving it’s Friday”

Another Friday is upon us. Here’s wishing you all a lovely weekend. I was supposed to be in McKinney Texas at a book festival. Unfortunately, there is a lot of rain expected in the area (near Dallas). Rain tends to cut down on attendance, so the event was postponed until next June. I was looking forward to this event but can fully understand the organizer’s need to put it off. It would not be a good thing to have a bunch of authors travel to the location and have no readers show up. Today’s JohnKu talks about change.

Plans for an event,

Change for unforeseen reasons . . .

True disappointment.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy is Worried

September 20, 2018September 19, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 70 Comments

“So Lucy. What’s going on?”

“I’m a little worried, Boss.”

“What about?”

“Baily’s over there rolling around on the grass not paying attention.”

“Paying attention to what?”

“She’s supposed to be watching Twiggy.”

“Now look. She is actually laying down.”

“I’m sure everything is fine.”

“You don’t understand the dangers, Boss. I’m going over there.”

“Bailey. Get up.”

“Gee Lucy. What’s the problem?”

“You’re supposed to be watching Twiggy. That’s the problem.”

“Lucy. She is right behind me. If anything came in here, I would be on it like a duck on a Junebug.”

“Have you done the fence line? Have you scouted the perimeter?”

“Well, no. I see no need.”

“No need? How many coyotes does it take to get over this fence?”

“Okay, I’ll bite. How many?”

“Just one. One is all it would take. How surprised would you be if one jumped in here?”

“Lucy we’ve not had a coyote jump the fence.”

“I’m behind this giant Bird of Paradise where you should be.”

“Oh brother. Twiggy, come closer. I think the sister is going to have a breakdown.”

“All right Bailey. I’m really close now. Lucy don’t you worry.”

“Easy for you two to say. I have real responsibilities around here.”

“And we love you for that, sister dear.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

September 19, 2018September 18, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 41 Comments

It is Wednesday Story Day time again, and last week we learned that Larry has been having dreams about his deceased wife. Andrew has some very definite ideas about Larry’s experiences with Gloria which are very rational. Larry tends to think in metaphysical terms since he is convinced he was able to talk to his wife. As they were talking Andrew’s phone rang. Since it could be someone responding to the ad they placed we should get over there and find out who is on the other end.

“Yeah, Hello. Yes, this is the correct number for the ad. You do huh? Hold on let me get a pencil and paper.”

“Who is it?”

“A guy who has a machine big enough to do an anchor. hush, I need to get his name and address.”

“Okay, I’ve got something to write with. Could I get your name? “

“Uh huh.”

“And address? Whoa, slow down.”

“Yup, I think I have it. Can we come over this afternoon and take a look at the equipment?”

“That will be great. Thank you so much for calling.”

“No, I didn’t ask the price. I figured you would have to look at the anchor and then give us a proposal. Does that work for you?”

“Swell see you at three Mr. Dixon. Bye now.”

“Mr. Dixon, huh?”

“I figure it is a phony name, but we can run it just the same.”

“Why phony?”

“I have this gut feeling our Mr. Dixon knows nothing about the equipment and is making the call for someone else.”

“Could it be our killer?”

“Come on Larry. That would be way too easy. No, I think this is a company who had a going business and might be in bankruptcy.”

“You can tell all that from one conversation with a guy and his phony name?”

“He sounded like a banker to me. Just the way he talked. We can run the address and see what pops up. He didn’t tell me the name of the company, and I didn’t ask. I didn’t want to appear to be too knowledgeable.”

“Well, so what you are telling me this will be a dead-end.”

“I wouldn’t say that, Larry. After all, there has to be someone there who is going to scope the work. Who knows maybe that someone will know something.”

“I get this Alice in Wonderland feeling about this whole machine thing.”

“It is a long shot.”

“I think Gloria is going to haunt me tonight.”

“That’s a strange thing to say.”

“She told me to go for the motive and the killer would be found. She did not say to run around town looking for some super pulverizing machine.”

“We both agreed that if we found such a machine, the motive might just pop up.”

“I know. I just don’t want to lose sight of the fact that the motive for blowing up a heart has to be core to this case.”

“Registered detective.”

“So, we have an appointment at three o’clock. Where is it?”

“By the docks of course.”

“Why do you say of course?”

“Have you read any mysteries?”

“Not that I remember.”

“Murders always take place by the docks.”

“Funny I can’t recall a murder by the docks.”

“There is also an excellent café by the wharf that serves killer clam chowder.”

“Let me run the address in the system and get a printout of who supposedly owns the business and then let’s go. I would never turn down a bowl of chowder.”

“A man after my own heart.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #192 by Keith Channing

September 18, 2018September 17, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 51 Comments

In Keith’s words. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com 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.

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.

“Excuse me, sir.”

“Yes, what is it?”

“I work for the Audubon Dailey News, and we are doing a feature on what birds think.”

“And what does that have to do with me?”

“You a bird?”

“So I’ve been led to believe.”

“Do you think?”

“Contrary to conventional wisdom around bird brains, yes.”

“So how about an interview?”

“On what I think?”

“Yes.”

“About what?”

“Huh?”

“On What do you want me to give my thoughts?”

“Oh. My paper wants to know in general what you think about.”

“Ah. Like when I’m all alone and not being disturbed.”

“Well, that would be interesting.”

The first thing I think about is Why does the sun go on shining?”

“Okay. That is pretty philosophical.”

“Why does the sea rush to shore?”

“Uh huh.”

“Don’t they know it’s the end of the world?
‘Cause you don’t love me anymore.”

“Wait a minute. Those are lyrics to a song.”

“And a lovely song it is. Why do the birds go on singing?

Why do the stars glow above?
Don’t they know it’s the end of the world?
It ended when I lost your love

I wake up in the morning, and I wonder
Why everything’s the same as it was
I can’t understand, no, I can’t understand
How life goes on the way it does

Why does my heart go on beating?
Why do these eyes of mine cry?
Don’t they know it’s the end of the world?
It ended when you said goodbye. Any questions?”

“I should have known you have a little mockingbird in you.”

“By the way. The song is titled The End of the World written by Songwriters: Peter Mcnulty-Connolly / Marcus Mybe / Louie St. Louis / Kurtis Deshaun Williams / Michael Angelo

The End Of The World lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group.”

“Yeah well, forget it.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do Crossing the Delaware with General Washington

September 17, 2018September 16, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 54 Comments

Washington Crossing the Delaware By George Caleb Bingham – http://www.chrysler.org/education/unit1/bingham.htm, Public Domain

This list continues with the historical backdrop for my brand of lunacy. I hope you enjoy it.

10 If you are crossing the Delaware with General Washington, do not dangle your feet in the water off the back of the boat. If you do, at best they will be numb. At worst, the General will think you have lost touch with reality. (Looks like you may be sidelined for the big event, Frasco. Although you may want to avoid the battle, your pay envelope will be much thinner.)

9 If you are crossing the Delaware with General Washington, don’t try to sit in Tiny the WWF champ’s seat next to the General. If you do, at best you might be swimming across the Delaware. At worst, Tiny who has formed a bond with General Washington may take your move as a sign of affection for the General. (Since Tiny failed the “Unrequited Love and How to Cope,” seminar he now thinks a knuckle sandwich is an answer. Just jump out, Fredek. It will be easier in the long run.)

8 If you are crossing the Delaware with General Washington, do not think wearing boat shoes from L.L.Bean will impress your fellow soldiers. If you do, at best you’ll get a new nickname. At worst, a Master Sargeant will put you on report for being out of uniform. (Of course, one more on-report isn’t going to break you, Freyr. You have come to like peeling potatoes.)

7 If you are crossing the Delaware with General Washington, do not start singing “row row row your boat.” If you do, at best a few might join in. At worst, the General will single you out and threaten you with the stockade if you don’t quit making noise. (Looks like Georgie thinks you might be a British spy, Fridolf. I think quiet is the better part of this equation.)

6 If you are crossing the Delaware with General Washington, do not bring your fishing equipment. If you do, at best you might catch dinner. At worst, the General will ask you to keep fishing until you have caught enough to feed the Continental Army. (Holy cow, Frygies. That is a lot of fish. We’ll come back for you.)

5 If you are crossing the Delaware with General Washington, do not ask if dinner at the captain’s table is a formal affair. If you do, at best no one will understand your question. At worst, you’ll be reminded that you are on a rowboat and there is no captain’s table, and someone will hand you the flag. (You know that the flag goes in the front of the charge don’t you, Fryderyk. Yeah, that’s right, up front where all those bullets and flying cannon balls are.)

4 If you are crossing the Delaware with General Washington, do not let anyone know you get seasick. If you do, at best some will be sympathetic. At worst, the old salt will continually describe in minute detail the roast pork dinner he had last night. ( If you can just hang on little longer, Francis the shore is not too far away.)

3 If you are crossing the Delaware with General Washington, do not begin humming and old German tune. If you do, at best you’ll keep the volume down. At worst, since you are on your way to attacking the Hessians in Trenton, the General might think you are mocking the mission. (Washington is not sure this whole thing will work, Finn so I would lay low if I were you. That water is certainly cold.)

2 If you are crossing the Delaware with General Washington, do not mention that your enlistment in the army expires at midnight. If you do, at best, you’ll get a so what? At worst, someone will take your musket and shot, and you’ll be defenseless when you reach the shore. (Better offer to reenlist, Fabian. Otherwise, you are going to be pretty uncomfortable dodging shot from both sides.)

1 If you are crossing the Delaware with General Washington, do not stand up in the boat and start singing “Old Man River.” If you do, at best you’ll be ordered to sit and be quiet. At worst, you will finish your song while trying to keep your head above water. (Looks like the General has just about had enough of the stand-up comedy, Floyd. Hopefully another boat will scoop you up.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Invest 95L – Rain

September 16, 2018September 15, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 63 Comments

This week was to be a pirate parade in honor of “Talk Like A Pirate” day here in Port Aransas. Unfortunately, the parade had to be canceled due to rain. We did get a lot of rain Friday and yesterday. Invest 95L dropped about eight inches before it was over. So instead of a parade here are a few shots of the results of the rain.

This is the pond behind our house. Up to now, this is as far as it rose.

The pond is within its banks.

Given the high tides due to water being pushed against the dunes the city moved all the portable toilets to higher ground.

You can see the tides came up to the dunes.

This is Twelfth Street in Port Aransas. The water did not reach any of the houses. That pile to the left is a house recently torn down due to Hurricane Harvey damage.

The golf course needed pumps to get the water off the greens.

The city put up high water warnings where necessary.

Drainage ditches are very full. Luckily the rain quit last night.

Closer to home here is a shot of the access to the beach and the golf cart path and parking area. You can see some timbers have been dislodged. The white fence surrounds the pool, and the dark structure is the new shade structure recently completed. All Harvey repairs. Sorry about the parade but thanks for getting wet with me on the tour.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Post.”

September 15, 2018September 14, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 46 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this weeks prompt is “post.” Linda Hill says we can use it as a stand alone or to find a word that uses “post” as a prefix. If you would like to join in with this fun just pop over to Linda’s blog and read how. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2018/09/14/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-15-18/

“What the heck is a prefix?”

“You don’t know?”

“Would I ask if I did?”

“A prefix is a word or a letter placed in front of another.”

“So what would be a prefix to the word post?”

“How about lamp?”

“Ah, lamppost. I get it.”

“I have decided not to use a prefix though.”

“Pretty brave. You going to use ‘post’ alone.”

“Yup.”

“Go ahead then.”

“This post will not contain any prefixes to the word post.”

“Pretty boring so far.”

“Ahem. The torn and folded piece of paper was driven into the post by whoever used the large knife to stick it there. Not sure whether or not I should interfere in whatever was going on, I just sat astride my horse and stared.”

“Okay, that’s better. Keep going.”

“It was clear the paper has some kind of message and the post because it is central to the town is the perfect spot for special delivery.”

“Now you’re cooking.”

“My mount sensed some danger and kept urging me to pull away. With a firm hand, I guided it closer to the post and wrapped my fist around the handle.”

“And then?”

“A scream moving out from the gates of hell fell across us, and the horse bolted leaving me on the ground with the knife. The note was still attached to the post. I wasn’t sure I could stand but looked up to see a small rivulet of blood begin to amble down the post from where the knife used to be.”

“Wow.”

“This is none of your business came a thought out of the air, and it was clear to me that my troubles had just begun. I tried to rise but could feel a force holding me down. I looked at the knife and tried to open my fingers. Almost like a magnet, the knife held me fast.”

“What did you do?”

“Not sure.”

“What do you mean not sure?”

“I haven’t finished the story.”

“You got us all worked up, and you haven’t finished the story?”

“Want to catch some lunch?”

“I want you to finish the story.”

“After lunch.”

“That will be the goalpost then. Story after lunch.”

“Linda Hill will love you. Sure the goalpost is to finish the story after lunch. I’ll give you a hint. The guy dies.”

“Ah man?”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

September 14, 2018September 13, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 58 Comments

“I know it’s Friday Dad. I need a weekend for sure.”

Friday again. This week has been all about the weather. Named storms have been forming up and Florence is projected to make landfall this morning. We have to pray that all the precautions have been enough to save human life on the East Coast. We have been lucky here in Texas in that Invest 95L is not expected to rise to hurricane strength. It will bring three to five inches of rain but that is way better than what is expected for Florence. There have been over one million people who have evacuated away from the Eastern coastal towns. Let’s hope that those who chose to stay are spared as well.

This week’s JohnKu talks about the power of nature. I hope you have a peaceful weekend.

When all is quiet,

Then suddenly there’s a storm . . .

Pointed reminder.

The Button by D.L.Finn – New Release

September 14, 2018September 11, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 39 Comments

I am so delighted to welcome D. L. Finn to Fiction Favorites. She is an accomplished author and has a new release this week. So without any delay, the post is yours, Denise.

Thank you, John, for inviting me to be on your blog to help celebrate this week’s release of The Button!

Blurb:

Lynn Hill left a difficult childhood behind when she turned eighteen. The 1980s were going to be the beginning of a great life. Then what started as an ordinary evening out with her best friend, Stacy, turns into a nightmare. Lynn hears warnings: “Go!” “Leave!” Believing she is hearing things after partying too much, she goes back for one more drink before going home. That decision sets off a chain of events that nothing could have prepared her for. While humans and not-so-human beings are attempting to either help or harm her, Lynn risks everything to find the only person she trusts, Stacy. Who can help her? The stepbrother who shows up right when she needs him or the attractive, helpful bartender who gives her his phone number? Lynn must learn to trust again. Her survival depends on it in this paranormal thriller.

Excerpt:

CHAPTER 1

Castro Valley, California, 1983

…In high school, Lynn Hill had a black button with white writing that said: “F*** Off and Die.” It was pinned to her worn, flower-embroidered denim purse. Lynn relocated her button to the inside of her purse when she graduated, so only she could see it. It wasn’t that Lynn had suddenly changed her attitude upon accepting her diploma with 451 other people representing the first class of the new decade, either. As far as she could tell, 1980 was no different than 1979. What prompted the removal of her audacious public expression was the acquisition of a job and an apartment, or basically becoming a responsible adult. Lynn was mindful that appearing to be an upstanding citizen was necessary, an opinion confirmed by her old history teacher.

“Young women who are successful do not have swear words pinned to the outside of their purse,” the teacher, who reminded Lynn of a shriveled apple doll, had informed her while handing back her essay in the final month of high school.

Lynn was fully aware that the teacher didn’t like her, but she didn’t care. Most teachers didn’t like her, but she always got A’s and didn’t cause problems, so they usually left her alone. No one had ever tried to take the button away, but Lynn did get some looks, which she shrugged off.

She was convinced that more than one teacher had the same sentiment, but they had to pretend to be responsible adults, like she was doing now. Lynn only hid the button from her parents, who would have shown their displeasure in ways both physically and emotionally painful. She escaped that house the day she turned eighteen, moving into an apartment with her best friend, Stacy.

Lynn’s fingers brushed across that button on the inside of her purse as she searched for her strawberry lip gloss. It wasn’t that she hated everyone and wanted them to die, as her button stated; she simply didn’t trust most people. Why should she? They only managed to disappoint or hurt her, but she wished for their absence, not their actual demise. Although there were a few people she felt the world would be better off without. They seemed to have no reason to exist other than to cause others pain.

Lynn applied her lip gloss, slipped it back into her purse, and pasted on a fake smile. It was her final touch before entering the rundown bar with Stacy. A blonde and a brunette together got the attention of guys at the bars, Stacy insisted. Lynn didn’t bother pointing out that it was Stacy’s large bust and fashion-model looks that got all that interest. She knew Stacy was aware of her effect on the opposite sex.

The young women flashed their fake IDs to the guy at the door. It was obvious that the old biker didn’t care about the age of the females who entered the bar as long as they were somewhat pretty, boosted alcohol sales, and had a card, legal or not, that showed they were old enough. Lynn was immediately greeted by loud music, a local band whose name she had already forgotten. They were playing a current hit from the radio. No big deal, just some wannabes, Lynn thought. There wasn’t even a cover to see them. How good could they be?

Stacy and Lynn squeezed between the red vinyl barstools to order their drinks. “I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream…” Why was the song from Sleeping Beauty in her head? She hadn’t thought of it in years. It had been one of her favorite songs when she was a young girl. She used to listen to the record while following along in the book. She would sing the song loudly if no one was around and pretend she was dancing with her prince through the forest.

In those days she believed she would find her prince someday. Did she still believe in love and happily ever after? Not really. She sighed right as the bartender caught her glance. He had wavy brown hair and the most beautiful brown eyes she’d ever seen. She gulped and started to sweat. She needed a drink, and fortunately, Stacy was already ordering them.

Random Finn facts:

I believe in angels.
“A Christmas Carol” is the fictional book I’ve re-read the most.
I love to watch the sun set, but I’ve rarely seen it rise.

D.L. Finn is an independent California local, who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to the Sierra foothills in Nevada City, CA. She immersed herself in reading all types of books but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, being surrounded by towering pines, oaks and cedars, her creativity was cradled until it bloomed. Her creations vary from children’s books, young adult fantasy, adult paranormal romance to an autobiography with poetry. She continues on her adventure with an open invitation to her readers to join her.

D.L. Finn’s social media:

Links to purchase:

Amazon

Smashwords

Barnes &Noble