Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

June 1, 2018May 31, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 60 Comments

Another week has passed. I have often wondered if we all consciously attempt to put in the best week possible. By that I mean do we continually strive to fill the week with the kind of accomplishments that we will be proud to say we finished. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I’m just happy to have the week done. This is usually because of a specific challenge that has taken more energy than initially anticipated. It is that kind of week where I’m embarrassed to take stock of the progress of whatever it is I’m working on.

I tend to write the week off and hope the next will be better. I wonder how many times I have done that very thing. I know when I’m editing I tend to believe I’m accomplishing nothing. I know in my head that I am getting things done, but in my heart, I still feel less than stellar about the progress.

The one thing that really gives me the feeling that I deserve a gold star is when I have a good week of writing on my WIP. There can be no denying that a congratulation is well-earned. Why is it then that even though I do seven blog posts a week and handle over one hundred and eighty e-mails a day, none of that work gets classified as accomplished in my mind? Let’s not even mention the one hundred Tweets and thanks daily as well. Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram time? Forget it. Nothing seems to count but WIP productivity.

What the hell. Am I sick or What?

Todays JohnKu wonders about Social media productivity. Have a great weekend.

Social media,

Takes a lot of work daily . . .

To whose benefit?

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

May 30, 2018May 29, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 61 Comments

It is Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we were in the fortune-telling shop when Micki Lee told Larry Dunfee that she had a discussion with his deceased wife, Gloria. Larry was not convinced until she mentioned the Sandusky case. This was a super-secret case that Larry was working on. With the mention, Larry bought into a séance with Micki and Gloria. I think we should get back to the shop and see how this goes.

“You have a seat there, Larry.”

“Do I need to do anything?”

“No just sit comfortably. I will ask you to close your eyes and concentrate on my voice.”

“You going to hypnotize me?”

“Not at all, Larry. If I was going to hypnotize you I would have already done it. Just relax and let me ask you if you’re willing to talk to Gloria?”

“Y-yes I’m willing?”

“Do you have any concerns?”

“No. I have no concerns about Gloria. I am nervous about this whole thing though.”

“Your cup of tea should help about now.”

“Um. I think I may go to sleep.”

“No, Larry. You are just super-relaxed. You won’t go to sleep. I’m going to call Gloria now. Are you receptive to seeing her?”

“I’m going to cry I’m sure.”

“That’s okay, Larry. She will understand. Okay, take a deep breath. Here goes. G-L-O-R-I-A.”

“That is her favorite song.”

“Sing it then.”

“G-L-O-R-I-A. Gloria. G-L-O-R-I-A. I think they got your number.
I think they got the alias that you’ve been living under.”

“Please stop, Larry. You are so far off-key it hurts.”

“Gloria. Oh, my God. It is your voice.”

“If you will open your eyes you’ll see it’s me in the flesh…er…so to speak.”

“Gloria, are you really here? Am I dreaming? I can’t believe it.”

“You need to stop crying, Larry. You are the worst crier. Your nose gets all red.”

“I can’t help it, Gloria. I have missed you so much. My heart was crushed when you left.”

“I know sweetheart. It crushed me to leave you as well. As you can see though, we can talk now.”

“You are so beautiful. Are you happy where ever you are? For heaven’s sake where are you now?”

“All in good time, dear. We need to discuss the Sandusky case.”

“The case can wait. How long can you stay?”

“Only a few minutes, my darling. That’s why you have to listen to me.”

“I’m trying my love. I’m just at a disadvantage. Do you know how much I’ve missed you?”

“That is another point of discussion but let’s get to Sandusky. You are looking at the case in the wrong way.”

“Wrong way. What does that mean?”

“You are trying to find a murderer. You need to look for a motive first and then the murderer will follow.”

“Do you know who did it?”

“Of course, but I’m forbidden to share the information. You need to build a case so that it would stick. I could see you barging in and arresting the murderer with no evidence. They would walk free.”

“They? There is more than one?”

“That’s all I can say now. As far as you missing me, you have to get over it. I’m gone and in a better place. You need to move on with your life.”

“You were my life, Gloria.”

“Now you need to start over. I love you with all my heart, Larry and never had a moment of unhappiness with you. That counts for something. You have to rid yourself of the idea that you didn’t give me enough. We were happy and there isn’t enough money in the world to buy the life of love we shared. I want you to be free. I want you to open your heart and accept and love yourself. You deserve it.”

“How did you know I was beating myself to a pulp.”

“I know you, Larry. It is so nice seeing you and now I must go.”

“Will I see you again?”

“I’m not sure, my love.”

“Can we have one hug.”

“In the heart, Larry. Goodbye.”

“Gloria, please.”

“She’s gone. Larry.”

“Oh, Micki. I don’t think I can stand it without Gloria one more minute.”

“Think about what she told you.”

“Was that real?”

“What do you think, Larry?”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #176 by Keith Channing

May 29, 2018May 28, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

In Keith’s words. “Using this photo 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 – pingbacks don’t often work.

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

“Hi, sir. We are from Channel Ten News and wonder if we may have a minute.”

“Well, it depends.”

“Depends, sir?”

“Yes. It depends on what you want.”

“Oh, sir we don’t want anything. We are doing a feature on unusual animal owners and would like to ask you a couple of questions.”

“I can’t see the harm in that. Okay, shoot.”

“You don’t mind if we film our interview do you?”

“Um. Where is this going to show up.”

“We have a feature every Sunday called Animal Friends. If this interview works out it will be this Sunday at ten o’clock.”

“Aw, that’s a shame.”

“Why’s that sir?”

“My bedtime is nine thirty. I guess I’ll miss it.”

“Do you have a DVR?”

“Why yes. Yes, I do.”

“Problem solved. Just record the show and play it back in the morning.”

“Do you know how to set the thing?”

“No really, sir I can’t. Maybe you can get help or use the instruction manual.”

“I guess my nephew can do it.”

“Okay then. How about those questions.”

“Shoot.”

“Okay, Leroy, start filming in three, two, one. This is Jefferson here with… uh . . .Okay cut. I forgot to get your name.”

“Aloysius Bronnowitz.”

“Can I call you Al.”

“You can call me Al. I like that song too.”

“Okay let’s go from the top. Three, two, one. This is Jefferson here with Al Bonnowitz who we’ve been told is a kind of bird whisperer. Hi Al.”

“Hi, Jefferson.”

“Tell me, Al, how did you become a birds whisperer?”

“I don’t think I know what you are talking about.”

“That bird, Al. It is sitting on your hand.”

“Yeah what about it?”

“What makes it do that?”

“Well, you see birds have these feet with claws. They wrap them around—”

“Al.”

“What?”

“We all know how birds perch. Why is it perched on your hand?”

“I guess it got tired of the tree limb.”

“Come on, Al. Give me something here. Not everyone can have a bird sitting on their hand.”

“I don’t see why not.”

“It is not that common, Al.”

“Oh, so you think I have special powers.”

“Exactly.”

“Okay. I am able to talk to birds.”

“Now we are getting somewhere. What do the birds say to you?”

“They say all kinds of things.”

“Like what?”

“Well, there’s ‘Tweet, twittle, tweet.’ Also, ‘Twee twit two hoo.”‘

“Al.”

“What.”

“Translate that for our audience.”

“The first was, ‘Look at that clean car.”‘

“And the second?”

“That reporter has a nice clean head.”

“Okay, Al. I’m not going to ask about your t-shirt and we need to be going. Thank you.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do on Memorial Day

May 28, 2018May 24, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 46 Comments

There is only one thing not to do on Memorial Day, but it can be repeated ten times.

Do not forget to thank those who gave their lives so you can live yours.

Thank you, Grandfather.

Views of the Neighborhood – Art Fair

May 27, 2018May 26, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 55 Comments

Yesterday was the kind of day that we locals like to get away from the beach.

Here is a shot straight out from the cart over at eight AM. Pretty nice.

Here is a photo looking south from the cart over at eight AM. A little congested but nice.

Same straight out view as before taken at four PM (you might be able to squeeze in with a Sherman tank or front loader.)

View looking South at four PM. Yes, that is vehicular hardware as far as the eye can see.

There was an art fair downtown and so rather than showing any more pictures of the crowded beach, I thought you might enjoy the flavor of the Art Fair. The fair was held in the ballpark of the church. I could not possibly show everything available, so I picked out some that I hope you enjoy.

The Port Aransas Art Center sponsored the Art Fair.

There were different kinds of booths. This is jewelry.

Some exciting oils and prints.

Lifelike oils.

Interesting pottery.

This shot gives you an idea of the scope of the fair.

A local artist Noel Stephenson with an outrageously good painting of a Portuguese Man-of-War

Another view of her work

Photography

Hand-painted glassware

Bird paintings

Of course, a band. In the background, you can see the roof of the church not yet complete.

Because we are a beach town, one would expect at least one painted surfboard. Hope you enjoyed the tour.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Grill”

May 26, 2018May 25, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 55 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday and this weeks prompt is “grill.” Linda Hill says to have fun with it. So in that vein, I will proceed. If you would like to have fun with “grill” or are just curious as to why a bunch of seemingly normal looking people do this each week, stop by Linda’s blog and read all about it. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2018/05/25/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-may-26-18/

“What is that on your teeth?”

“It’s my grill.”

“Grill?”

“Yeah. What do you think?”

“You look like your about to break into a rap song.”

“Now come on. You can’t say this doesn’t look cool.”

“I guess I could say it. The problem is you probably won’t hear it.”

“What?”

“See what I mean?”

“I’m just messing with you. I heard what you said. Everyone has their own opinion.”

“What does your family say?”

“Oh, they think I’ve lost my mind.”

“Well?”

“You know my family. They can’t handle anything out of the ordinary.”

“I think this is just a little more than out of the ordinary. Is that permanent?”

“Heavens no. See it comes right out.”

“Well, that’s a blessing. How much did that thing cost? Looks expensive.”

“You would be surprised. I got a good deal.”

“A good deal? How’s that?”

“Bought it used.”

“Uh. What?”

“Yeah, a guy I know wanted to upgrade to a model with diamonds so he—”

“Stop right there. You are telling me you bought that thing that you put in your mouth from someone who already put it in his mouth?”

“No now come on. That would not be sanitary.”

“So what do you mean used?”

“The guy swore he never wore it.”

“Who is this guy?”

“You don’t know him.”

“Do you?”

“Well, he was hanging out at the corner.”

“OMG.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA TGIF

May 25, 2018May 25, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 52 Comments

Memorial day — American flag flying in the wind

This day, once it is, complete will kick off a three-day weekend. Everyone deserves the promise of time off to honor those who gave so much. As I sit and think about what Memorial Day means to me, I get a profound feeling of gratitude for those who gave their lives that I might be able to live my life in peace. There is nothing I can do to repay their gift other than to pause and remember how dear the sacrifice. So I shall. Today’s JohnKu is a memorial.

Too soon came the call,

For you to offer yourself. . .

To protect our life.

Enjoy the weekend.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy’s First Swim

May 24, 2018May 23, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 90 Comments

“Hey, Dad. What’s Mom doing?”

“She is setting up the dog pool.”

“Dog pool? What is a dog pool?

“Go see for yourself.”

“Lucy, Bailey.”

“What short stuff?”

“What is this thing anyway?”

“It’s a place to get cool.”

“Cool? How’s that?”

“You know, you ask a lot of questions, Twiggy. See I’m in the water.”

“So you have wet paws, Bailey. How fun is that?

“The water feels good. If you lay down it’s better.”

“Okay let me see a laydown.”

“Not so fast little one. You need to get in here too.”

“Then there won’t be any room.”

“Bailey, who you kidding. You never lay down in the pool.”

“Sush. I’m trying to get the id-kay to ay-lay own-day in the ool -pay”

“I’m not going to lay down if you don’t, Bailey.”

“Where did you learn pig latin?

“From my iblings-say. I’ll get in but standing up.”

“Hey, mom. Hold the pool. Twiggy’s doing the Curley Shuffle.”

“This feels pretty good, Lucy. Come on in.”

“You know short stuff. I just had a manni and I think my nails are still wet.

“Lucy doesn’t like the pool, Twiggy. Don’t let her fool you”

“That true, Lucy?”

“You get out of there now, Twiggy. You never know whats under the water.”

“But I can see the bottom.”

“That’s what Captain Ahab said.”

“Okay, I’ll give it to you, Bailey. The pool is good for drinking.”

“I can’t reach it. Lucy.”

“That’s okay, Little one. You can jump right back in.”

“Hey, Bailey. How about if you leave some for us.”

“I think you two are on your own. A couple of chickens I would say.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

May 23, 2018May 22, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 60 Comments

It is Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we were in a fortune-telling shop run by Micki Lee. Larry Dunfee, a police detective was there as well. It is there we learned from Micki that she believes Larry was brought to her shop by someone close to Larry. Then Larry dropped the bomb that his wife had died a year ago on that very day. We need to get back to see what else we can learn.

“Here is your black tea.”

“Thank you, Ms. Lee.”

“Call me Micki.”

“This tea hits the spot, Micki.”

“I’m glad. It should settle things a little.”

“What do you mean?”

“As I said I think you are in danger and you are well aware of it. I think your nerves are on edge. The tea should help.”

“I feel better already. You mentioned someone close guided me to your shop.”

“At least this is the feeling I get.”

“Be honest with me. Are you really a fortune-teller?”

“I do tell fortunes, yes.”

“I guess what I mean is can you predict the future?”

“No, Larry. I don’t know who can, but definitely, I cannot.”

“Then what is it you do?”

“I have a connection with the spirit world. I can talk to those who have passed to the other side.”

“Other side? You mean heaven?”

“Not exactly. There is a plane that could be called a dimension where spirits reside. I can communicate with them while they are there.”

“Can you talk to my wife?”

“I have, yes.”

“When?”

“While I was making the tea. She is very concerned about you.”

“Concerned how?”

“Your diet is atrocious. Her word, not mine. You go days at a time with little sleep. You are drinking too much and watching too much television.”

“It does sound like her.”

“She also thinks you ought to be careful with a case you are working on.”

“Case? I have hundreds.”

“She mentioned the name, Sandusky.”

“Oh my God. Where did you ever get that name? No one knows anything about that case.”

“Maybe it is time for us to have a full discussion with your wife.”

“What do you mean, ‘us?”’

“Me, you, and Gloria.”

“Wait a minute. You are sitting there telling me you, and I can talk to Gloria?”

“That is exactly what I’m saying, and there is no better time than now.”

“What will I say? I mean. I miss her so much. I’m not sure I can hold it together.”

“Trust me. You will be fine.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #175 by Keith Channing

May 22, 2018May 21, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 33 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 – pingbacks don’t often work.

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.