Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Something You Enjoyed

November 8, 2025November 7, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 58 Comments

When does a coffee machine become more than just a machine? This question enters my mind while approaching the one that sits in my house. The reason for the question is that late last night, there was some faint mumbling coming from the place where the purveyor of the delicious elixir often referred to as soothing syrup rests. Notice that the word “machine” did not leave my lips. Upon investigation, a loud shushing sound was followed by a noticeable flickering of a light. There were no further sounds or light, so other than implanting in my brain the possibility that this item may be alive, the issue was tabled until today.

Moving toward selecting the two coffee buttons, which is something I enjoy, gave me a start. Before my finger could engage the button, the machine began brewing the two-cup serving. The thought occurred that maybe there was a heat sensitivity, but then last night’s experience led me to believe this thing is alive.

The first sip brought the bells of Westminster crashing down around me. The two bark machines joined the cacophony until a knuckle bone tossed into the soundproof room and the door slam brought back peace. Checking the security monitor verified the presence of a character that looked very much like Sylvester J. Pussycat Sr. “What do you want?” was the challenge. “Suffern’ succotash. A delivery,” the reply. Trying the “just leave it” ploy was answered with the usual, “need signature.” With a sigh, the security shut-down process began.

The SWAT team needs to be put on standby. A quick text to the leader confirms that status. Also, the flight of A-10 Warthogs must be diverted. Another call to the commander puts that worry to rest. The SEAL team needs to be called off, and a call to the leader makes that possible. A call to the tow truck driver stops the deployment of an M1A1 Abrams Tank. The control panel simplifies the shutdown process of the security system. The boiling oil vats are put on standby, the turret mortars disengaged, the Trebuchet on safety, the concertina wire rolled, the Claymore mines reset, the tower Gatling guns on safety, the moat net dropped, the alligators fed, and the IEDs and shoulder-held rockets put away. The Proton torpedoes switched off. The gamma ray beams covered. The high-powered maser guns switched to standby, and the nanorobots were chained in the basement. The Klingons are called back, and the Targ is caged. The locks on the door are thrown. And the door opened.

Sylvester hands me an envelope and a clipboard. I sign by the X. He, of course, has his paw out looking for a tip. My gift, “As Albert Schweitzer said. There are two means of refuge from the misery of life – music and cats.” Sylvester is stunned as I slam the door. I open the envelope, and it is a message from (who else) Linda Hill. It reads:

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “something you enjoyed.” Write about something you thoroughly enjoyed. Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!

If you want to see what others have done with the prompt, Visit Linda’s post. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2025/11/07/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-nov-8-2025/

“So the coffee is something you enjoy, or is it pushing buttons?”

“Yeah, it’s the coffee. That sentence was a bit clumsy.”

“Just a bit. What is with that machine, anyway?”

“I wish I knew. After it is finished brewing, I turn it off.”

“So what is the problem?”

“It comes back on again.”

“By itself?”

“Yes. Don’t you think that’s odd?”

“Odd? I think it is possessed.”

“Well, let’s not go that far.”

“Okay, I don’t have to live with it.”

“Like other problems in life, I’m going to let this one ride.”

“Speaking of ride, the Uber’s over there.”

“Okay then. Looks like it will get us there.”

“I think so too. One problem, though.”

“Of course there is. What’s the problem?”

“Something the driver enjoyed was drag racing.”

“Yeah, so?”

“He lost his license, so we have to drive.”

“That defeats the whole purpose of having a driver.”

“Well, I’ll be the designated driver.”

“Voodoo Rangers are something you enjoyed. Tell you what. We will take the bus.”

“Bus?”

“Yeah. Right over there.”

“Cowabunga. Let’s go.”

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

November 7, 2025November 7, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 83 Comments

Polar bear eating pumpkin – Photo courtesy of Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat

Today’s good news story comes from the Good News Network.

Polar Bear Gleefully Eating a 1,400-Pound Pumpkin Donated for His Dinner is a Sight to Behold

By Andy Corbley –Nov 6, 2025

It’s not every day that Henry the polar bear sees something that weighs more than he does.

At 1,200 pounds, the polar bear is the world’s largest land predator, but here was something substantially heavier, and it was just sitting there in his enclosure.

Henry the polar bear eating pumpkin – Photo courtesy of Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat

Defensive at first, Henry eventually dug into the sweet, crunchy flesh of a giant, 1,400 lbs. pumpkin that was donated to the nonprofit that looks after him. The photos will steal a chuckle out of anyone.

Reported first by CTV News, the Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat received the pumpkin as a total coincidence, and the organization’s manager, Amy Baxendell-Young, told the outlet how it happened.

“One of my staff was driving up from down south and ended up directly behind this pumpkin as it was on the highway,” she said.

Her staff member gave her a call and said that the truck carrying the massive gourd had a logo on the side: Aidie Creek Gardens. Baxendell-Young decided to call them up.

“And pretty quickly they got back to me and said, if we don’t take it, it’s just going in the compost. Henry actually came out and didn’t know what it was—and got actually quite defensive … because I think he was just quite shocked at this new thing in his enclosure.”

Evolved to eat mostly baby seals, which are all fat, a polar bear can zoom through a pumpkin without putting on any weight at all. Unlike for humans, for whom a pumpkin or squash is a complex carb with polyphenols and fiber, for a bear, it’s all empty calories.

Henry having eaten his fill – Photo courtesy of Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat

The Cochrane Habitat in Ontario is the world’s only nonprofit organization that provides sanctuary to polar bears in need of human care and who can’t live in the wild anymore. They often receive presents for their bears around Polar Bear Awareness Week.

Photos released by the habitat show Henry in something of a food coma after smashing around a third of the pumpkin in one sitting.

The good news in this story is reading about a very happy Polar Bear. Today’s JohnKu talks about happiness. I hope you have a lovely weekend.

It doesn’t take much.

Happiness is a matter . . .

Of joy in small chunks

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste Enjoy the Sun.

November 6, 2025November 4, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 104 Comments

“Wow, Twiggy. This sun feels good.”

“Um hum.”

“You taking a nap?”

“I would like to, but there is a magpie in my ear.”

“Ah, okay. I’ll let you nap in peace.”

“Really, I don’t need a nap. Where are you going?”

“I thought I heard one of those pesky jackals in the brush.”

“We haven’t seen a jackal in these parts for some time.”

“Well, it could be a cougar as well. Pesky cats anyway.”

“Coming from the mouth of a Panther.”

“That’s different. When those suckers are stalking us, it is a different matter. What are you doing there?”

“I’m finishing my yoga. This is called Up Dog.”

“Well, it looks like you are up for sure now. You feel like helping me save our lives.”

“This sounds like a segment of Naked and Afraid.”

“Hear that? Sounds like an elephant.”

“Better hope it’s not a Rhino.”

“A Rhino? I never thought of that. I think it’s time to go in.”

“Well, I’m just sayin’ I don’t know for sure.”

“I know when I’m outgunned, so slinking away is the better part of valor.”

“I don’t even know if it is a Rhino.”

“Well, even if the Rhino is imaginary, it still is scary to think about.”

“Okay, but we have to face those fears.”

“There is always tomorrow to face fears.”

“That’s fine as long as you don’t avoid them totally.”

“I think it is normal to be afraid of a Rhino.”

“That’s true, but if it is only a figment, then it must be challenged.”

“Figment?”

“In the mind.”

“The worse kind.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Vehicle

November 4, 2025November 3, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 44 Comments

Today, I opened Detour on the Eternal Road to page 247. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. My finger was closest to the word”vehicle.” This is our prompt today.

“Which vehicle are we taking today?”

“That’s a hard decision.”

“Why’s that?”

“You know we have to make a good impression in town.”

“What does the choice of vehicle have to do with a good impression?”

“Oh, come on. You know how people are impressed by upscale transportation.”

“Well, I never gave it much thought. I’ll take your word for it.”

“Trust me. You show up in some dirty, low-priced item, and people will talk.”

“Okay. If that is the case, what are we going to take?”

“You know we need some assistance from the guy in black.”

“Yeah, and what happens if he chooses the wrong vehicle?”

“We resist.”

“Resist?”

“Yup. Stand up for our rights not to be laughed at.”

“You mean rear back.”

“Yeah, and whinny for all you are worth.”

“I’ll bet a kick would work too.”

“Careful with that.”

“Why?”

“That kind of behavior gets you a one-way trip to the glue factory.”

“Here he comes.”

“Looks like it’s going to be the new wagon.”

“We are okay with that?”

“Yup. Go with the man, son. He’ll be back for me.”

Top Ten Things Not To Do When Trying to Get Published

November 3, 2025November 2, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 75 Comments

This list, authored by Marie Ann Bailey and me, was first published on October 14, 2013. Since authors are still trying to get published traditionally, it might be helpful.

Top Ten Things Not To Do When Trying to Get Published

10. When trying to get published, do not send a query letter to a publisher with the opening phrase “You probably have never heard of me, but that will change.” The publisher will no doubt get a big laugh, and your query will get a direct pitch into the trash can with the words, “Want to bet,” on the publisher’s lips.

9. When trying to get published, do not use cute gimmicks in your query letter to get the publisher’s attention. They will not appreciate whatever you send along with the letter and may charge you for the cleanup later. This includes: glitter hearts, artificial snow, two tickets to the Bruins hockey game, a six-pack of beer, sand from your beach story, or anything else not on paper.

8. When trying to get published, do not think a personal phone call to the publisher will make a difference. You will only risk sounding like an idiot, even though you have thoroughly rehearsed your pitch. If you happen to find someone to talk to, being able to locate your query letter to receive the feedback you need may put you on hold permanently.

7. When trying to get published, do not, under any circumstances, show up at the publisher’s place of business in person. The publisher will be extremely embarrassed since they will have no idea what to do with you. Your query might just be placed in your back pocket as you are shown the exit into the alley.

6. When trying to get published, do not tell the publisher in your query letter that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them. The only thing that may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is the one second it takes for the publisher to pitch your query into the wastebasket with the words, “I’ll take that chance.”

5. When trying to get published, do not try to build rapport with the publisher with words like, “If I were in your shoes, I would be looking for a talented writer and by golly, I just happen to know one.” The publisher will have a nice laugh at your expense and will probably use your query in the next seminar on How Not to Query. Of course, he will be paid an enormous fee, and you will get…well…nothing.

4. When trying to get published, do not send a query letter before you have your fiction manuscript finished. Unless you are Stephen King, there is not a publisher in business today who will jump at the chance to publish your story if it is in the concept stage. Describing in detail what might be will probably get you a response of what actually is happening, a flat “no.”

3. When trying to get published, do not assume you have only writing in mind. The publisher will want you to carry most of the marketing work on your shoulders. Your query letter should avoid self-descriptive words and phrases like: artist, literary principles, clean hands, introvert, higher calling, too good for others, filthy capitalism, save-the-trees activist, reclusive researcher, and only want to write.

2. When trying to get published, do not admit you are only in it for the money, even if you are. There may be a time when the publisher contacts you in response to your query. This is not the time to start pressuring the publisher for a tight timetable, as you need the money. Like banks do not lend money to people who need it, publishers know there is little money for authors and will pass on you for another more motivated by non-monetary reasons.

1. When trying to get published, do not give up. There are a million potential reasons to keep sending queries, and who knows, your manuscript just might be the next million-copy seller.

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway City Hall Art Gallery – Adriana Peña – Artist

November 2, 2025November 1, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 89 Comments

Today, we are visiting the Lakeway City Hall Art Gallery to view the fine art of artist Adriana Peña. We are catered by Siti of Austin, and our entertainment is The Foundations

The bus is ready.

An overall look at the gallery.

To Joy – Acrylic on Canvas

Zinnias – Acrylic on Canvas

Springtime – Mixed Media

Spring Flowers – Acrylic on Canvas

Warm Reflections – Acrylic on Canvas Board

Winter Thaw – Pastel on Pastel Paper

Forever Green – Pastel

Early Spring – Pastel

Stevie R. Vaughn – Charcoal

Tuxedo – Mixed Media.

Here is information about the artist. Sorry for the crumpled paper, but Tempeste took it off my desk, and I was lucky to get there quick.

Today, we have seen about half of the collection, so we’ll be back next week. Time to enjoy the food and music. I hope you have a super week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Company

November 1, 2025October 31, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 65 Comments

A coffee machine is not such good company until it spills forth that heavenly elixir that could be called the natural healer. When one’s brain is thumping on the innermost top of the skull, one sip can quell the monster trying to get out. As the machine delivers the goods, my mind wanders to a place where I wonder what it would be like without coffee. A shudder brings me back in time for that first sip. As the cup leaves my lips, the unmistakable cacophony of the combination of Westminster chimes and baying of the Baskerville hounds demands action before every window in the place is broken. A knucklebone thrown into the soundproof room, followed by the slamming of the door, brings back peace to the valley.

So another idiot could not read the DO NOT RING THE DOORBELL sign. Checking the security monitor, it is plain to see that the idiot is a large dog looking very much like Goofy. The usual conversation takes place over the intercom, and the predictable conclusion is that if I want my envelope delivered, I have to sign for it. I make preparations to turn off the security system.

The SWAT team needs to be put on standby. A quick text to the leader confirms that status. Also, the flight of A-10 Warthogs must be diverted. Another call to the commander puts that worry to rest. The SEAL team needs to be called off, and a call to the leader makes that possible. A call to the tow truck driver stops the deployment of an M1A1 Abrams Tank. The control panel simplifies the shutdown process of the security system. The boiling oil vats are put on standby, the turret mortars disengaged, the Trebuchet on safety, the concertina wire rolled, the Claymore mines reset, the tower Gatling guns on safety, the moat net dropped, the alligators fed, and the IEDs and shoulder-held rockets put away. The Proton torpedoes switched off. The gamma ray beams covered. The high-powered maser guns switched to standby, and the nanorobots chained in the basement. The locks on the door are thrown. And the door opened.

I’m handed a clipboard and asked to sign on line twelve. In exchange, I get my envelope. The goofy-looking character holds out his paw in the classic tip-request mode. “Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will,” I say as a tip before I slam the door. The envelope has a message from Linda Hill. It reads:

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “company.” Use it as you see fit. Have fun!

To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. Here is the link https://lindaghill.com/2025/10/31/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-nov-1-2025/©

“I thought you were going to talk about a business.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because the prompt word is company.”

“I just thought I would go in a different direction.”

“I saw that. A real quick use in the opening.”

“Yup.”

“How about you and I spend some time in the. Company of VooDooRangers?”

“Sounds good to me. Uber?”

“Right over there.”

“Now we’re talking. A nice Corvette.”

“Just one thing, though.”

“Of course there is. What is it?”

“We have to pay for the gas.”

“I thought that was included in the trip price.”

“Normally, yes. When I ordered the car, I said I wanted something fast.”

“Okay.”

“That puppy burns 110 octane fuel.”

“Oh. So a surcharge?”

“Yup. $10 a gallon.”

“Not bad. How many gallons could that monster possibly burn between here and the pub?”

“How far’s the pub?”

“Ten miles.”

“Yeah, that will be about five gallons.”

“Idiot.”

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

October 31, 2025October 30, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 63 Comments

Today’s good news story comes from the Associated Press. Thank you to Noelle Granger for sharing the story with me.

One of the world’s rarest whales that makes the Atlantic its home grows in population

Scientists have reported an encouraging trend in the population growth of the North Atlantic right whale

By PATRICK WHITTLE Associated Press

PORTLAND, Maine — PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — One of the rarest whales on the planet has continued an encouraging trend of population growth in the wake of new efforts to protect the giant animals, according to scientists who study them.

The North Atlantic right whale now numbers an estimated 384 animals, up eight whales from the previous year, according to a report by the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium released Tuesday. Whales have exhibited a trend of slow population growth over the past four years.

It’s a welcome development in the wake of a troubling decline in the previous decade. The population of the whales, which are vulnerable to collisions with ships and entanglement in fishing gear, fell about 25% from 2010 to 2020.

The whale’s trend toward recovery is a testament to the importance of conservation measures, said Philip Hamilton, a senior scientist with the New England Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life. The center and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration collaborate to calculate the population estimate.

New management measures in Canada that attempt to keep the whales safe amid their increased presence in the Gulf of St. Lawrence have been especially important, Hamilton said.

“We know that a modest increase every year, if we can sustain it, will lead to population growth,” Hamilton said. “It’s just whether or not we can sustain it.”

Scientists have cautioned in recent years that the whale’s slow recovery is happening at a time when the giant animals still face threats from accidental deaths, and that stronger conservation measures are needed. But there are also reasons to believe the whales are turning a corner in terms of low reproduction numbers, Hamilton said.

The whales are less likely to reproduce when they have suffered injuries or are underfed, scientists have said. That has emerged as a problem for the whale because they aren’t producing enough babies to sustain their population, they’ve said.

However, this year, four mother whales had calves for the first time, Hamilton said. And some other, established mother whales had shorter intervals between calves, he said.

In total, 11 calves were born, which is less than researchers had hoped for, but the entry of new females into the reproductive pool is encouraging, Hamilton said.

And any number of calves is helpful in a year of no mortalities, said Heather Pettis, who leads the right whale research program at Cabot Center and chairs the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium

“The slight increase in the population estimate, coupled with no detected mortalities and fewer detected injuries than in the last several years, leaves us cautiously optimistic about the future of North Atlantic right whales,” Pettis said. ”What we’ve seen before is this population can turn on a dime.”

The whales were hunted to the brink of extinction during the era of commercial whaling. They have been federally protected for decades.

The whales migrate every year from calving grounds off Florida and Georgia to feeding grounds off New England and Canada. Some scientists have said the warming of the ocean has made that journey more dangerous because the whales have had to stray from established protected areas in search of food.

The good news in this story is after decades of being on the endangered list the North Atlantic right whale is holding its own and increasing in population. Today’s JohnKu talks about perseverance. I hope you have a lovely weekend.

Building Rome took time,

Saving a species does too . . .

Patience is required.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste Face a Weather change

October 30, 2025October 30, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 84 Comments

“Wow, Tempeste. What a difference a day makes.”

“Catch that refreshing air. This is going to be fun.”

“I agree. Looks like a good Panther/Puma day. What are you looking at?”

“Shush. It’s Dad with the iPhone again.”

“That’s okay. Just ignore him. He thinks he has to record our every moment.”

“Well, sometimes we should have our privacy. Say, what is the temperature out here?”

“Hey, Dad. What’s the temperature now?”

“Hold on, let me look.”

“Okay. It is 52 degrees (11.11 °C) right now.”

“That’s a little chilly for us. Thanks, Dad.”

“So let’s play. The puma spots the panther across the prairie.”

“The Panther starts to stalk the Puma, being careful not to make a sound.”

“The Puma waits in hiding for the Panther to get closer.”

“The Panther senses danger and decides it is time to strike.”

The puma hears a twig snap and gets ready for battle.”

“The Panther leaps at the unsuspecting Puma.”

“The Puma scores a direct hit on the Panther’s jaw.”

“The Panther is stunned for a moment.”

“The Puma roars in hopes of driving the Panther away.”

“The Panther pretends to be frightened.”

“The Puma figures the Panther is faking being frightened.”

“The Panther gets low to the road in preparation for another strike.”

The Puma gets ready for another onslaught of Panther aggression.”

“Snarling the Panther comes in low for a throat chomp.”

“Again, the Puma deflects the attack, and the crowd goes wild.”

“The Panther snaps, hoping to catch an ear.”

“The Puma floats like a butterfly.”

“The Panther stings like a bee.”

“What are you pausing for?”

“Do you ever get the feeling you are being watched?”

“Well, yes. That’s the whole idea of the blog.”

“It is concerning sometimes.”

“You just have to get over it. Let’s continue.”

Tuesday Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Throat

October 28, 2025October 27, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 62 Comments

Today I opened Detour on the Eternal Road to page 69. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. My finger fell on the word “we are,” but the visible words were “her” and “throat.” I made an executive decision and chose ‘throat’ as our prompt. Also, I apologize for the blurry words. My iPhone was set incorrectly, so I got a nice, clear shot of my hand, but the background took a hit.

“You have a lovely throat.”

“Oh, stop. Do you know how many times I have heard that line?”

“You must believe it then.”

“Well, it is graceful.”

“And so pure looking.”

“What is with you anyway?”

“Please pay no attention to me. I have a neck fetish.”

“But you mentioned my throat.”

“Well, that goes hand in hand with the neck thing.”

“How did you happen to get like this?”

“It’s a long story.”

“I have plenty of time.”

“It may be a bit disturbing.”

“Look at me. Do you think I frighten easily?”

“I must say you do exhibit a lack of fear.”

“So tell me the story.”

“Okay. One night I was walking by the lake—”

“This lake?”

“As a matter of fact, yes.”

“Go on.”

“I decided to sit and rest since I had been walking for a while. While looking at the full moon reflected in the water, I felt a presence—”

“A ghost?”

“No, it turns out it was someone who looked very much like me.”

“This is getting good. Go on.”

“When I turned, there he was. Very handsome with an air of royalty —”

“He had a crown?”

“No, it was the way he held himself. Very regal and confident. He asked my name and then asked if he could sit with me. Something made me say yes, and so he sat. I can barely recall our discussion, but at one point he leaned over and I thought he was going to kiss me —”

“Wait. A guy was going to kiss you?”

“Yes, as it turned out, that didn’t happen.”

“What happened?”

“He bit me on the neck.”

“What?”

“You heard me. He bit me, and I passed out. When I woke, he was gone.”

“You must have been terrified.”

“Actually, I was at peace except for the side effects of the bite.”

“What side effects?”

“I can’t stand the daylight or garlic, and I have this overwhelming desire to bite others on the neck.”

“You are a vampire?”

“Yes.”