Tuesday Anything possible – Kreative Kue #354 by Keith Channing

April 5, 2022April 4, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 73 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 on 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 next time.”

The photo.

“What would you like for dinner, my love?”

“Hmm. Haven’t given it much thought.”

“Well, I’m going shopping so I thought I would give you a choice.”

“Aw, that’s so sweet. What are the possibilities?”

“I was thinking of a nice Ibis or two.”

“Oh goodness. I’m so tired of Ibis. Look at ’em all hanging around. I feel full just looking at them.”

“I know but they are very plentiful.”

“That may be the problem.”

“So give me an idea.”

“Let me think. I have had gazelle on my mind for a while.”

“Those things are hardly ever in stock. Besides at my age running them down can be a problem.”

“I get that. Okay, something slower but as delicious. I know water buffalo.”

“You know they are dangerous right?”

“But you are such an accomplished hunter you are always on top of your game.”

“Those things take some help and everyone is off to the plains for the summer.”

“Okay then just make it simple. Anything you run across will be good.”

“What about dessert?”

“Maybe a rabbit.”

“Oh, good choice. Okay, then I’m off.”

“Good hunting.”

“You are so funny. You know we should consider vegetarian.”

“What? Eat what our food eats? I don’t think so.”

“Just a thought my love.”

“I could just see me at the pride meeting telling everyone that I was eating grass. I’d be laughed out of the county.”

“Okay, settle. I’ll find some meat.”

“You are the best.”

Top Ten Writing Things Not to Discuss with Anyone Who’s Not a Writer

April 4, 2022April 3, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 98 Comments

Top Ten Writing Things Not to Discuss with Anyone Who’s Not a Writer

10 If you are a writer, do not discuss how hard it is to write. If you do, at best, you’ll get an eye roll. At worst, you’ll be talking to someone who disarms bombs for a living and will laugh out loud in your face. ( Your comments now seem so first-world, don’t they?)

9 If you are a writer, do not discuss your characters as if they are real. If you do, at best, you will find people avoiding you. At worst, you will be talking to someone who has an imaginary friend that they believe would be a perfect protagonist for your next book. (Sure, glad you mentioned them, right?)

8 If you are a writer, do not discuss your latest plot breakthrough. If you do, at best, you will be given laundry to do. At worst, the entire family will suddenly disappear, knowing you can’t wait to tell them how you solved the plot hole. (Maybe the weather is an excellent subject to discuss.)

7 If you are a writer, do not discuss your latest review. If you do, at best, you will be talking to someone who couldn’t care less. At worst, you could be talking to a person who just finished your book and had not thought of the negative points brought up by the reviewer and has to leave quickly to downgrade their review on Amazon. (I hear bourbon is an excellent treatment for foot in mouth disease.)

6 If you are a writer, do not discuss your book with friends. If you do., at best, they will all pledge to read and review your book, and you know they won’t. At worse, you will tell some spoilers, and the person you are regaling with the tale now has no reason to buy and read the book. (Might have been your only sale this month)

5 If you are a writer, do not discuss how hard it is to market your book. If you do, at best, the person you are talking to will not understand anything you are saying. At worst, they may ask, “Who forced you to write the damn thing anyway?” (The word touche has perfect application here.)

4 If you are a writer, do not discuss your book with your partner. If you do, at best, you will get a smile and a head nod. At worst, you might get some advice that you know you will not follow. (Your ignoring the guidance will only become critical if your partner reads it and sees you didn’t follow the advice.)

3 If you are a writer, do not discuss your royalty arrangements. If you do, at best, you will confirm that your writing is a hobby. At worst, you will demonstrate to others that you have entirely lost your mind in pursuing a writing career. (Maybe keeping that day job is a good idea.)

2 If you are a writer, do not discuss word counts. If you do, at best, the person who is listening to your minimum production will be polite enough not to walk away. At worst, you will be talking to someone who thinks one hundred of anything is a lot and will be so blown away with your thousands they will expect you to buy dinner. (The joy of being a word millionaire.)

1 If you are a writer, do not discuss formats, downloads, Amazon, cover art, fonts, or KDP. If you do, at best, the person will be so impressed that they won’t fall asleep immediately. (only temporary, however) At worst, your conversation will be interrupted by a phone call even if you didn’t hear the phone ring. (You were on a roll, and gotta wonder how long can a phone call last?)

Views of the Neighborhood – Talavera Tour

April 3, 2022April 3, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 76 Comments

Today we are going to cruise the neighborhood in search of Talavera pottery. Here is what we are looking for, according to Wikipedia.

Talavera pottery (Spanish: Talavera poblana) is a Mexican and Spanish pottery tradition from Talavera de la Reina, in Spain. The Mexican pottery is a type of majolica (faience) or tin-glazed earthenware, with a white base glaze typical of the type. It comes from the town of San Pablo del Monte (in Tlaxcala) and the cities of Puebla, Atlixco, Cholula, and Tecali (all these four latter in the state of Puebla), because of the quality of the natural clay found there and the tradition of production which goes back to the 16th century. So now we know. We are being catered by Plow Burgers in Austin. Just so you are aware, these burgers have no meat. Our entertainment is Creedence Clearwater Revival. I do have to apologize in advance for the quality of the photos. I was forced to take them pretty far away to avoid trespassing. (and possibly being shot)

100% PLANT-BASED | PLANTS LEAD OUR WAY!

Gluten-Free Bun provided by Misty Morning Bakery located in ATX

Talavera birdbath and old oak tree.

A pot in a flower bed.

A planter in front of a classic stucco and Mexican tile home.

Another pot in a flower bed with rock.

A mailbox topper and lamp. (Don’t ask)

A Talavera cow.

A watering can and frog.

A beautiful turtle

And we have seen this frog before.

I hope you enjoyed the tour. Now sit back, relax, have some food and enjoy CCR. I hope you have a great week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Tip”

April 2, 2022April 1, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 72 Comments

Taking my time with my coffee seems like a good way to welcome a Saturday morning. Listening to the cardinals do their imitation of the Jersey boys standing on the corner reminds me to check the mailbox for any hint of a prompt.

A move to the front door was interrupted by what sounded like some big guy doing a cannonball into a pool from a twelve-meter platform. A look into the backyard gave me a tip as to the source of the sound,

There was an Olympic size pool and diving platform where just last night was only turf and crossvine. It appears as if the execution of the cannonball caused a tsunami that has washed over the yard. There is a big guy swimming for the edge.

A yell causes him to look up at me standing on the porch, wondering where sandbags can be secured this early. I cup my mouth with my hands. “What are you doing?”

He yelled back, “The breaststroke.”

My mind gave him props for his comedic timing. However, my body screamed for him to get out of that pool and tell me what’s going on. I don’t have a pool and need to get to the bottom of this situation. The jamoke lumbered over and explained that he was an animator from Warner Brother’s studio and did all this animation on behalf of Linda Hill.

Of course, he did. He received a tip from me to rewind, erase, or whatever else one does to get rid of an animation scene. He handed me an envelope, and once the yard was back to normal, I opened it. Here is what it said. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “tip.” Use it as a noun or a verb. Have fun!

If you would like to join in on the fun, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2022/04/01/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-april-2-2022/

“You have gone off the deep end.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Who’s going to believe some guy drew a pool and then dove into it.”

“Technically, he jumped into it.”

“My point is, who’s going to believe that?”

“There is no reason to believe. It’s fiction.”

“So what are we supposed to do with it then?”

“Laugh, cry, shout, ignore, or anything else ty want to do.”

“Come on. Some guy draws a pool. Don’t you think that’s farfetched?”

“Let me give you a tip.”

“Ah, the prompt.”

“Yes, but that’s not why I’m giving you a tip.”

“So why?”

“To open your mind to the creative process.”

“So, what’s the tip.”

“Enjoy more. Question less.”

“That’s it.”

“Yup.”

“How do I apply that to life.”

“What if I drew a bottle of VooDoo Ranger right now.”

“I would rather have a real one, thank you.”

“Yes, but the drawing could remind you of your last experience.”

“I agree. It could.”

“Okay so here’s the bottle I drew.”

“Uh huh?”

“Take a tase.”

“Brother. Okay, I’ll humor you. Hummm.”

“What?”

“Tastes pretty good. A little dry maybe.”

“You’re kidding right?

“Of course. After all it’s your post.”

“You dog.”

“Let’s go get a real one.”

“After you.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News

April 1, 2022March 31, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 73 Comments

Today’s good news story comes from the Good News Network. Here is an excerpt. The whole story is HERE.

Danish Company Creates Children’s Book to Make Ukrainian Refugees Feel at Home – And it’s Adorable

Photo submitted to Mediabrands Content Studio

As millions of Ukrainian women and children take refuge in other European nations, one inspiring act of kindness by workers at a Denmark office of Mediabrands Content Studio is warming hearts and going viral.

With Denmark already haven taken in thousands of refugees, the Mediabrands branch was inspired to write and create a free children’s book for Ukrainian speakers called “Welcome to Denmark”.

The charming booklet introduces refugees to the country while highlighting the cultural similarities of the two cultures, to help make the new refugees feel safer and more at ease.

The publishing team was thrilled to be connected with a Ukrainian female refugee who agreed to translate the copy.

20,000 copies were printed, and the book’s availability was announced through social media, hoping people or local organizations might be able to use them.

72 hours later, all 20,000 copies were distributed. Their office was inundated with requests, so 20,000 more are currently being printed. [UPDATE: Following this GNN article’s publication, the company said they’ve received a total of 100,000 orders.]

Queries came in from Danish train, bus, and ferry companies that want to give them to newly arriving Ukrainian passengers. At the same time, it acts as a mini-phrasebook that can make it easier to make friends and understand many new things around them.

Mediabrands Content Studio – The Cover

The good news here is an American company in Denmark wanted to make Ukrainian refugees feel welcome.

Today’s JohnKu talks about welcoming new friends. I hope you have a great weekend

I don’t recognize,
Your face, clothes, language, or name . . .
No matter, we’re friends.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Lucy

March 31, 2022March 31, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 117 Comments

“What the heck, Little One. It looks like someone shot a tree.”

“Big winds last night. Ixnay on the eveslay.”

“Huh. What do you mean?”

“Dad’s on the other side of the yard. So don’t talk about the leaves.”

“Why not?”

“It will cause him to get that noise monster out to pick them up.”

“I don’t think talking about them will have any effect. He knows they are here.”

“You don’t need to yell that all over the place.”

“He’s gone inside, so he can’t hear me. What are you doing?”

“I’m having a staring contest. I’ll bet I can make you look away.”

“Yeah, okay, you made me look away. You win.

“You didn’t even try. I’ll race you to the patio.”

“Okay, you win that too. Next time give me a heads up when it’s time to run.”

“I really don’t think it will make any difference. It reminds me of the tortoise and the hare.”

“You know how that turned out, don’t you? My, these impatiens are beautiful.”

“No, I never finished reading the story. So how does it turn out?”

The hare was so confident that he took a nap, and the tortoise passed him up and won the race.”

“Aw, that would never happen. The hare was so fast and the tortoise so slow.”

“Well, the tortoise just kept at it, and the hare slacked off. It’s a good lesson.

“To keep doing your best?”

“That’s it, Little one.”

“How’s your treat begging skill?”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 353

March 29, 2022March 28, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 74 Comments

In Keith’s words.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next time.”

The photo.

“Hey, honey, look at this.”

Peaceful Vacation Home For Sale

2 bed, 1 bath, Lakefront property in a well-established community.

Close to schools and shopping. Too many amenities to fully list.

Features private lake access, a park-like setting. Massive sun porch,

metal roof, mature landscaping, and trees. Imagine you and your family

living in paradise. There is plenty of room to redecorate

and make it your own at this price. Hurry, this one won’t last.

$599,000

“Looks great. Let’s go see it.”

“That means getting a flight. We always lose out when we spend too much time. So I say we make an offer. How bad could it be?”

“I suppose you are right. Give the agent a call. I wish there was a picture, though.”

Views of the Neighborhood – Grand Opening of the Lakeway Playscape

March 27, 2022March 26, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 89 Comments

Artist rendering of the playscape

The new playscape is designed for kids ages 2 to 12. It features three-shade cloth-covered climbing towers, a hover net, pre-cast concrete logs, boulders and a bison rock, multi-generational swings, a ten-spin merry-go-round, and musical instruments.

Today’s excursion is to Lakeway Park for the Grand Re-opening of the playscape. The playscape has undergone some renovations and upgrades, and now it’s time to participate in the celebration. Today’s brunch is catered by Jack Allen’s Kitchen in Austin. Our entertainment is Little Big Town.

BRUNCH MENU BRUNCH CLASSICS

Pomegranate Sangria

Fresh Squeezed Screwdriver

House Bloody Mary

Fresh Squeezed Greyhound

Mimosa

Harvey Wallbanger – Vodka, Galliano, fresh OJ

Don Francisco Coffee – Iced espresso cold brew, Licor 43

Bloody Local – Pepper & chile-infused local vodka, house bloody mix

JAK ORIGINALS

Chicken & Biscuits – Crispy fried chicken breast, buttermilk biscuit, green chile gravy, smashed breakfast potatoes. Add egg in any style.

Roasted Ribeye & Sage Hash – Crispy potato bird nest, charred ribeye, and potato hash, fried farm eggs, smoky chipotle hollandaise

JAK Con Todo Quesadilla – Pico de gallo, whole hog sausage, crispy potatoes, scrambled farm eggs, applewood smoked bacon, jack cheese

Barbacoa Eggs Benedict – Fried green tomatoes, slow-roasted barbacoa, poached farm egg, smoky chipotle hollandaise, smashed breakfast potatoes.

Dee Dee’s Short Stack – Mascarpone stuffed Challah french toast, TX whiskey & local honey glaze, berry compote, Mexican vanilla whipped cream.

So let’s go.

Our first stop is to view how the playground looked two weeks ago (Time machine miracle), A construction barrier.

Another shot of two weeks ago.

The Mayor, Tom Kilgore (R), and Mayor Pro-Tem Louis Mastrangelo prepare to cut the opening ribbon.

A fine cut.

Another view from two weeks ago.

The same view today. A lot of happy children.

The techs are getting the movie screen ready to go for a movie later. The movie is Peter Rabbit.

The popcorn machine will be hopping for the movie.

Funny crowns for the kids.

Cookies and water for everyone.

There are hot dogs too.

Thanks for coming along. I hope you have a great week. Now sit back enjoy the food, drinks, and the music.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Rope

March 26, 2022March 25, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 72 Comments

Some mornings the wait for the 10 oz cup of salvation can be agonizing. It may be a matter of not sleeping well or too late to hit the rack. Whatever the reason, standing like a monk with a begging bowl, bed hair shadow casting, blinking sand-filled eyes is not a good look.

Eventually, the steaming brew is brought full measure, and only the heat keeps it from being consumed like a beer bong on spring break. It arrives just as the end of the emotional rope is metaphorically reached. With shaking hands, the libation is raised to the lips, and a small sip is accompanied by an imaginary Young Frankenstein-like yell of “It’s alive.”

Brain finally engaged, it is time to turn to the business of the day. It is Saturday, after all, and by tradition, something mystifying will be found in the yard. Checking the Ring doorbell camera brings a satisfying all, clear in the scope of vision.

Then a sound like the TV has been left on reaches my ear. Looking into the backyard, a bright yellow cartoon canary is sitting on the fence. Opening the rear door, “I tot I saw a puddy tat,” message is clearly understood. Yes, it is true Tweety Bird is sitting on my fence. If so, Sylvester can’t be far away.

A tap on my shoulder sends me and my coffee into a ten-foot altitude record. Carefully positioning my cup captures most of the live-giving fluid as we hit the ground. “Excuthse me, sir, but I have a messssthage from Linda Hill.”

Having never met Sylvester before, the fact that he is six feet tall was totally unappreciated by me. He handed me a piece of wet paper, and he and Tweety disappeared.

The message reads: Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “rope.” Use it as a noun or a verb. Have fun!

If you would like to have fun, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link. /https://lindaghill.com/2022/03/25/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-march-26-2022/

“So you did it again.”

“What?”

“Brought in a couple of cartoon characters and then dropped them.”

“No, I didn’t drop them.”

“What was the point?”

“They carried the prompt.”

“Why did they say so little?”

“Had to keep within SAG rules. More dialogue equals more money.”

“You pay them?”

“What do you think?”

“Yeah, that’s right. You write fiction.”

“Bingo.”

“What about the prompt?”

“Have you had enough?”

“Good point. I’m at the end of my rope.”

“And ready for a nice cold beer.”

“You could rope me in for that.”

“So now we have taken care of the prompt and can go.”

“No sweeter words were ever spoken.”

“I wouldn’t go that far.”

“Given the circumstances, if you were me, you would.”

“You’re buying.”

“Gladly. Let’s go.”

Friday John Ku – AKA – TGIF Fri Yay/Good News

March 25, 2022March 24, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 116 Comments

Today’s story comes from the Good News Network. Here it is in its entirety.

Strangers are Leaving Strollers, Diapers, and Toys at the Border for Ukrainian Refugee Moms

An image recently shared around social media of empty strollers on a Polish rail border crossing has inspired a mountain of donations for Ukrainian refugees.

Now at Przemyśl Station, women, children, and infants fleeing the war are being greeted by mountains of clothes, stuffed animals, strollers, diapers, and more after they step off the train.

ABC reports that the number of spare carriers and strollers from Polish mothers have been particularly inspiring, with many donators leaving handwritten notes behind, with words of support.

“We see on the television and hear on the radio what happened, and we say ‘okay, we can help,’” one Polish mother and volunteer told ABC.

The effort has become more organized over the weeks, which CNN details has spread like wildfire, mostly by word of mouth. The Medyka border crossing from Ukraine involves taking a train to Przemyśl Station, which has become the center of the relief effort.

The rooms of the train station are now being transformed from waiting rooms into warehouses for food, diapers, and clothes.

Beyond the station, people from across Europe have been seen waiting in cars offering to drive incoming refugees to wherever they have relations or a place to stay.

here is the Good Morning America video with the story.