Thursday – A Little personal – New Arrival

March 29, 2018March 28, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 122 Comments

“Hey, Boss.”

“Hi, Lucy. How are you today?”

“Not sure.”

“What’s the problem?”

“There’s a pile of stuff over there that I don’t recognize.”

“Mom is putting the things she will need for the puppy arrival.”

“I know you mentioned a puppy, but are you actually going to adopt one? Look at this stuff Bailey.”

I see it. Yeah, Pops. Come clean. What’s going on?

Okay, Girls. Here’s the deal. You know Mom, and I believe in the rescue of animals?”

“Yes, Boss and Baily and I love you for that.”

“Well, there is an organization named Dog Ranch Rescue who have as a mission to rescue enslaved dogs from puppy mills.”

“This story could take a while, so I’m going to go and lay down.”

“Okay, Bailey. You can listen from the couch. As I was saying, the rescue people go to auctions and buy as many puppy mothers as they can.”

“Puppy auctions? What are those, Pops.”

“These are places where breeders sell dogs they no longer want. Maybe the dogs are older or have had too many litters. Anyway, this group buys these dogs to give them freedom from being used in puppy mills.”

“Puppy mills sound like a bad place to be if you are a puppy.”

“That’s true, Lucy. They are even worse places for mothers of puppies. Sometimes the group is able to buy a mother who already has puppies inside her. Then this is an opportunity to free the mother and have the puppies born in freedom as well. Which brings us to Little Twiggy.”

“Twiggy? Is that the puppy’s name?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Can we see her?”.

Well, I happen to have a photo taken by her foster mom for Easter, and you can also go to the Dog Ranch Rescue website. The group gave her the name Maraschino which is her name on the site. We are naming her Twiggy.”

“OMG Pops. She is so cute. Is she a boxer?”

“No Bailey she is a French Bulldog, and she was born free.”

“When is mom going to get her?”

“Good question Lucy. Mom will get her in the Dallas area on Saturday, and she will be here on Monday.”

“Monday? Why so long?”

“You remember Dr. Hay in San Antonio don’t you?”

“Aw, he’s the best.”

“Yes, well, mom has to stop there so that Twiggy can have a complete physical and then she’ll be home. What do you think?”

“Yay, a baby sister.”

“I think you will like her Bailey. How about you Lucy?”

“I love babies. She is in my heart already.”

“You two are going to love her.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

March 28, 2018March 27, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

It is Wednesday Story Day, and last week we went with Frank Plano to Jason McDonnell’s office. Frank asked Jason a few questions that seemed to put Jason on edge. “When did you meet Trish and does she have a boyfriend?” got Jason a little cranky. We ended last week’s discussion with Frank telling Jason that he was going to interview Trish. I don’t know about you, but if I were Trish, I don’t think I would talk to Frank. He defiantly has a way of getting down to the bone so to speak. Well, I can see Trish letting Frank into Lucas’ apartment. So much for our opinion on what she should do. Let’s hurry since this might be an interesting conversation.

“Come in Mr. Plano. What can I do for you?”
“As I said on the phone, I just have a few questions that relate to the killing of your parents. Oh, and you can call me Frank. We are all friends here.”
“You have been hired by Mr. McDonnell, right?”
“That’s right, Trish. So as you can see we are all on the same team.”
“I am worried about my brother. Do you have the evidence you need to clear his name.”
“I think I do. I just have a few loose ends, and then I think I can safely present the case to the DA here in Antion.”
“The DA? I thought you work for Mr. McDonnell.”
“Oh yes. I guess I should have said that Mr. McDonnell would be able to present the case. My mistake. Once I start working on a particular situation, I tend to think of it as my own. I hope I didn’t alarm you.”
“I was just surprised. I didn’t think you were working on your own is all.”
“I understand. You ready for a few questions? By the way, these are just for the record so that all the facts line up.”
“I-I guess so.”
“And if you are uncomfortable you can let me know. I certainly am not here to make you feel uncomfortable.”
“I appreciate that, Mr. Plano.”
“It’s Frank but okay. My first question is about the time you spent in rehab.”
“What about it?”
“Did you know Mrs. Weston was working at the facility?
“Who?”
“So you didn’t know Mrs. Weston?”
“No, I can’t recall that name.”
“Okay, thanks. The next question I have is about Sheriff Gibson.”
“What about sheriff Gibson?”
“You used him as a reference to get the job at the hotel.”
“Yes, that’s true.”
“How well did you know him?” “He got me off a charge of drug dealing depending on going to rehab.”
“Why would he do that?”
“I think he thought I would want to pay him back with sex.”
“Really?”
“Well, he never said anything, but I got that opinion.”
“Did you know he was married to Mrs. Weston?”
“That name again. I knew he was married and divorced. I never heard a Mrs. Weston mentioned.”
“How about Alice?”
“Yeah, he mentioned Alice. That was his ex-wife.”
“Switching gears a minute. When did you meet Jason McDonnell?”
“Lucas introduced us one day when I was visiting at the hospital.”
“I see. So you never met him before then?”
“What are you trying to say?”
“Nothing. I’m just verifying what you said.”
“You implied that I met him some other time.”
“I didn’t imply anything of the sort. Anything on your mind that you would like to tell me?”
“I would like you to go and ask someone else your hundred questions.”
“You ever have sex with Jason McDonnell?”
“Where did you get that idea?”
“Oh, let’s just say others don’t have your integrity and like to flap their gums.”
“So Jason told you we were lovers?
“Were you?”
“No more questions Mr. Plano. I am asking you to leave.”
“Thank you, Ms. Severide. You have been very helpful. Good day.”

Tuesday-Anything Possible-Kreative Kue #167

March 27, 2018March 26, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 63 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

“What did you do?”

“Me? Nothing.”

“Where did all this steam come from?”

“How do I know? I was just taking a picture of that crawly thing when it came up from the grate. Wait. Don’t walk on it.”

“I wasn’t going to walk on it. I wanted to see if it is hot.”

“With your foot?”

“I don’t want to stick my hand in it.”

“Get back away. Of course, it’s hot.”

“How do you know?”

“I can feel the heat from here.”

“What crawly thing were you taking a picture of?”

“You didn’t see it?”

“No what did it look like?”

“Sorta like a centipede.”

“Ew. I’m glad I didn’t see it. Where is it now?”

“It jumped into the grate just before the steam came out.”

“Where do you think it went?”

“I’m sure I don’t know, but I’ll tell you one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“Where ever it went I’m sure it is dead. That must be a thousand degrees down there.”

“Should we be worried?”

“About what?”

“I don’t know. Maybe an earthquake or volcano?”

“Oh please. This is a little disturbance is all. Nothing ever happens like that here.”

“That’s a relief. How about some lunch?”

“I heard they have a great place around the corner.”

“Where did you hear that?”

“I bought a guidebook.”

“Let me see it.”

“Okay, here on page 45 starts the list of the top restaurants in Pompeii.”

“You feel that?”

“Whoa, I sure did.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do on a Four Hour Car Trip Alone

March 26, 2018March 25, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

This list was inspired by my recent four-hour one way trip to Galveston. I had to keep reminding my self to avoid each of these things which I managed to do.

10 If you are alone on a long car trip, do not decide to set up a new playlist on Spotify while driving. If you do, at best you’ll take a wrong turn. At worst, you’ll get pulled over by a small town police officer who thinks you are texting and driving. (Lucky the officer is a Dead Head and let you go after a twice run through of “Keep on Truckin” huh, Dawud?)

9 If you are alone on a long car trip, do not pick up hitchhikers. If you do, at best they will be a traveling preacher. At worst you’ll pick up Tiny the WWF champ who has just jogged for ten miles and tells you he thinks he needs a shower. (What gave you a clue, Daylin? Maybe the steamed up windows or the fact that your air freshener exploded?)

8 If you are alone on a long car trip, do not continue to update the GPS system looking for a shorter route.. If you do, at best you’ll end up at a dead-end street. At worst, after four hours the system will route you to a point where you realize you are one state over from your destination. (Best to keep your hands off the system, Dearborn. Maybe it is time to deal with those trust issues.)

7 If you are alone on a long car trip, do not think you need to pass every car on the road. If you do, at best you get stuck behind a slow-moving truck and pass through a speed trap ten miles under the limit. At worst, you’ll find yourself in the oncoming lane with someone at your side who has the same objective. (Is he actually wearing a death’s-head mask, Declan? Maybe you better hit the brake and get back in your lane. I know, tough decision.)

6 If you are alone on a long car trip, do not decide to do e-mails on your phone. If you do, at best you’ll trash the most important. At worst, you will get so engrossed that you miss the road closed sign. (Looks like you are buried in mud, Delany. Hope you have Triple A.)

5 If you are alone on a long car trip, do not try to stay alert with copious amounts of caffeine. If you do, at best there will be plenty of rest areas. At worst you didn’t pay attention to the sign Last Rest Area for 100 Miles and now you are sweating like an overworked racehorse. (Even the descriptor of racehorse brings up increased tension, Delmar. Why is all the land around you flat and lacking vegetation?)

4 If you are alone on a long car trip, do not start singing and using stage gestures along with the show tune on the radio. If you do, at best those going the opposite way won’t call the State Police to report a crazy person behind the wheel. At worst, they will. (You passed the touch nose test, Demitri. Now, let’s see how that straight line walking goes.)

3 If you are alone on a long trip, do not think you are safe going nine miles an hour over the speed limit. If you do, at best you won’t see any police. At worst, you will meet a friendly State Trooper who writes up everyone who is five miles per hour over the limit. (The nice part about being caught in a small town is the folks in jail are very friendly, Derby.)

2 If you are alone on a long trip, do not think you can drive and let your mind wander at the same time. If you do, at best the rumble strips will pop you back to reality. At worst, you’ll have just solved that plot conundrum at the same time you end up in a ditch. (The sad thing is that solution flew out your very broken window when you rolled the car, Deron.)

1 If you are alone on a long trip, or any trip, do not text and drive. If you do, at best there will be no consequences. At worst, you might be in a position to regret your action for the rest of your life, Derry.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Galveston Book Festival

March 25, 2018March 24, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 98 Comments

Yesterday I was in Galveston for their Book Festival. I had to drive 41/2 hours. Such is the life of an Island dweller. Everything is hours away.

It was two lane road the whole way. This garbage truck in front of me was my best friend for twenty miles. He kept me from exceeding the speed limit. In fact, he was so concerned he held me at least five miles per hour under the whole way.

The Festival is in the grade school.

Here is the setup. You can tell we are in the gym by the doors.

I thought I would take a shot without the doors

Would you buy a book from this guy?

A view of the other setups around me.

More booths

Here is a far away shot of my booth.

Happy book lovers.

Final shot. Now for another 41/2 hours back to the island.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Picture”

March 24, 2018March 23, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 46 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this weeks prompt is “picture.” We are supposed to write about a picture that we see when we sit down to write. Unfortunately, my regular writing place which has lovely pictures is overrun with workers installing new flooring. I will have to write about the picture in my head.

“So what picture have you formed in your head?”

“I’m sitting on a desert island under a palm tree.”

“What are you doing there?”

“Basking in the sweet peace and quiet.”

“Is there anyone there with you?”

“Let me see. Nope. There is only me, the sand, and the crystal clear water. Oh yes, there are palm trees too.”

“Aren’t you lonely?”

“I just got here for heaven’s sake. By the way, where did you come from?”

“Me? I’m just a figment of your imagination.”

“Who asks a lot of questions.”

“Well, it must be your enquiring mind.”

“Okay so let’s just go with it. What else do you want to know?”

“Why are you here?”

“Have you ever spent three weeks with an air compressor and pounding hammers?”

“I could say yeah, cause I’m part of you but let me play along and say, no.”

“This island is so quiet it almost brings tears of joy in the response to the relief.”

“Wow. You trying to impress yourself with that kind of description?”

“Now you’re being a pain.”

“So how long are we—um—I mean you staying?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Let’s just say I might be ready to leave as soon as my heart slows down and ears stop ringing.”

“I think that was the bourbon and not hammers.”

“Very funny. I only used the bourbon as soothing syrup.”

“Said the guy who pitched an empty 1.5-liter bottle.”

“Aw come on. I had that thing a year. Besides, why do I listen to you?”

“Good point. Do you have an answer?”

“Go away.”

“How about a nice cold drink of water.”

“You bring a cooler?”

“No.”

“So why offer a cold drink?”

“It was a thought, not an offer.”

“Come to think about it. I think I need to find some water.”

“And a stray burger or two.”

“Damn. this may not work.”

“You think?”

“Let’s get out of here and stop at Buster’s Bodacious Burgers on the way home.”

“My kind of guy. I’m right behind you.”

“Wait. How do we get off?”

“I’m a figment, not a magician. How do I know? You got us here now take us home.”

“There’s no place like home.”

“Wizard of Oz isn’t going to help. Why don’t you just wake up.”

“Huh. Where am I? Where are you, figment? Oh great. Hammers.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

March 23, 2018March 23, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 60 Comments

Friday is here and a good thing too. I am heading to Galveston to participate in the Galveston Book Fair. The fair is from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM tomorrow. I am driving, and it is a 41/2 hour trip by car, so I need to go up the night before. I have been anticipating this festival in that I have decided to take a local approach to helping spread the word on my books. I plan on two others for this year, and then I will make a decision if I need to continue or go in a different direction.

Like you, marketing my books has been one of the hardest things about being an Indie author. Intellectually I know they won’t sell themselves so outreach tactics are necessary. I still haven’t found the magic bullet for success but will keep trying.

Today’s JohnKu talks about finding the formula for success. I hope you have a lovely weekend.

We all want success,

Although the way may be hard . . .

Quitting’s no option.

Thursday A Little Personal – Lisa Burton Interview with Greg Petros

March 22, 2018March 20, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 50 Comments

“What do you want to do today, Bailey?”

“I’m not fussy. What do you want to do? Play fetch with Pops?”

“No Pops is all over the fact that Lisa Barton is interviewing a character from one of his books on Lisa Burton Radio.”

“Which book?”

“Circumstances of Childhood. She is interviewing the main character, Greg Petros.”

“Well, maybe after the interview he’ll play.”

“Ya hear that, boss? After you are finished looking at the interview and Lisa Burton, maybe you’ll play with us.”

“Show the folks where the interview is, Lucy.”

“Okay, Boss. It is right HERE.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

March 21, 2018March 20, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 50 Comments

An Award if you qualify.

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we were surprised by Trish’s reaction to the information that Lucas gave her about Frank Plano. She seemed upset that Frank wanted to talk to her and very interested in what Lucas said about her introduction to Jason McDonnell, the lawyer. Goodness, this is getting a little complex, isn’t it? Well, I see Frank is headed over to the lawyer’s office so I think we should follow along. Uh oh, he is already in there, so we need to hurry.

“Have a seat Frank. You need any water or anything?”
“No boss. I’m good.”
“So how is the investigation going?”
“Pretty good. I think I’ve pretty much established that Lucas is an innocent man.”
“Oh, that’s good news. Want to share the details?”
“Well, I have just a few things to wrap up. Dot the I’s and cross the T’s so to speak.”
“I see. But you are sure Lucas is innocent?”
“Yes, I’m sure.”
“Do you have an idea who did do it then?”
“Um, I do, but it will take a little time to build the case.”
“Anyone, we know?”
“Now boss you must be patient. I don’t want any unreasonable expectations to be raised.”
“You know you can confide in me.”
“Oh, I know that it’s just I hate to reach a conclusion until I’m sure.”
“How long until you are sure?”
“I have to ask a couple of questions of Trish Severide and then maybe one or two of Harriet Murphy.”
“My God. Do you think Harriet has anything to do with this? She hired us for heaven’s sake.”
“As I said I need to check out a couple of facts.”
“Trish Severide. You think she could do it?”
“I’m not sure. What do you think?”
“I’m sure I don’t know. I only met her once.”
“Where was that?”
“At the hospital. She was visiting Lucas, and he introduced her.”
“Yeah, well that wouldn’t give you enough exposure to know if she was capable.”
“She seemed a little unstable though.”
“Yes, she has had a rocky past. She have a boyfriend?”
“Now, how in the hell would I know that?”
“I just thought you might have some information. I know how good you are in getting to the truth.”
“Thanks. In this case, I have no idea.”
“Okay then. I’m going to go and see if I can interview her myself.”
“Thanks for the update, Frank.”
“Anytime, Boss. Bye now.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #166 by Keith Channing

March 20, 2018March 19, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 66 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.

“Yes, ma’am that’s correct. Derick Dazzle of Chanel Ten News.”

“Oh, my. What brings you out on this gloomy day?”

“We have received many calls from our viewers wondering what you are doing.”

“I can’t imagine anyone calling a TV station about me. Why not just ask?”

“I’m sure I don’t know ma’am. My producer sent me here to get your side of the story.”

“My side. What are people saying? Also, please quit calling me ma’am. My name is Princess of Flight.”

“Ah, Princess of Flight, huh? How did you get that name?”

“I’m sure I don’t know. It has been my name forever. I suppose my parents gave it to me. You still haven’t told me what people are saying?”

“Well Princess, they are saying you must be mentally unstable.”

“Unstable? Why is that?”

“You sit here every day with big bags of bird food and feed these pesky pidgins.”

“Who says the pidgins are pesky?”

“Everyone. They are known to make a big mess here in the plaza.”

“They are one of God’s creatures and deserve to be treated fairly. I am looking out for them.”

“I can see that, Princess. Doesn’t it bother you that people think you are not doing the right thing?”

“Who says I’m not doing the right thing?”

“Well, feeding pests seems to be wrong.”

“Would everyone be happy if these so-called pests disappeared?”

“I suppose they would.”

“Good. You see I run a restaurant across town, and one of my most popular dishes is squab under glass. Eventually, I will have served every last one of these fat beauties. What do you think of my mental state now?”

“I think I need to go home and lay down.”