Friday JohnKu – AKA- TGIF

March 2, 2018March 1, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 71 Comments

Friday is here, and I am in the bunker on the lower level of the house. The rest of the space is taken up with saws, hammers, and flooring people. I can’t complain much since I have the internet and electricity. I am separated from my beloved refrigerator which right now sits somewhere in the middle of the kitchen. Well, we can’t have it all. I’m hoping the kitchen gets completed today, but sometimes that is a danger. (hoping that is)

The trek down the long road to completed repairs is almost over. I must say it has been an experience to remember. Each repair crew has different ways of doing business. Some are neat and tidy, and others seem to relish the saying, “You need to break eggs to make an omelet.” Somewhere in between is the finished product. We will be glad to do without the noise, concrete chips, plaster parts, wood splinters, aluminum bits, dust mounds, paint splashes, grout blobs, nails, and footprints. In short, we will be glad to make our own mess.

We are the fortunate ones. There are still families who have no home and still doing battle with the insurance company. Others have taken their settlement and run. It is estimated that our community lost a third of its full-time residents to Hurricane Harvey damage and will not return.

Today’s JohnKu talks about our sense of home. I hope you have a super weekend.

Taken for granted,

Our home is a safe haven . . . .

Being together.

Cusp of Night by Mae Clair – Cover Reveal

March 1, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 59 Comments

Today I’m very happy to be part of Mae Clair’s cover release announcement for Cusp of Night. Check the links and you’ll soon see the talent of Mae Clair. All her books are terrific.

Cusp of Night
by Mae Clair
Release Date: June 12, 2018
Mystery> Thriller & Suspense > Paranormal

book cover for Cusp of Night, a mystery/suspense novel by Mae Clair

BLURB:
Recently settled in Hode’s Hill, Pennsylvania, Maya Sinclair is enthralled by the town’s folklore, especially the legend about a centuries-old monster. A devil-like creature with uncanny abilities responsible for several horrific murders, the Fiend has evolved into the stuff of urban myth. But the past lives again when Maya witnesses an assault during the annual “Fiend Fest.” The victim is developer Leland Hode, patriarch of the town’s most powerful family, and he was attacked by someone dressed like the Fiend.

Compelled to discover who is behind the attack and why, Maya uncovers a shortlist of enemies of the Hode clan. The mystery deepens when she finds the journal of a late nineteenth-century spiritualist who once lived in Maya’s house-a woman whose ghost may still linger.

Known as the Blue Lady of Hode’s Hill due to a genetic condition, Lucinda Glass vanished without a trace and was believed to be one of the Fiend’s tragic victims. The disappearance of a young couple, combined with more sightings of the monster, trigger Maya to join forces with Leland’s son Collin. But the closer she gets to unearthing the truth, the closer she comes to a hidden world of twisted secrets, insanity, and evil that refuses to die . . .

ADD TO YOUR GOODREADS LIST

Connect with Mae Clair at the following haunts:

Promotional banner for author Mae Clair with bio and author photo, spooky house as header in wash of red

Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy and Bailey Displaced

March 1, 2018March 1, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

“Hey, Bailey. Come on let’s play. The sun is beautiful.”

“Hold on, Lucy. I hear something.”

“What is it?”

“Pickup trucks.”

“Yup. It’s worker approaching. Pops?”

“Yes, Bailey.”

“What kind of work are we having done now?”

“Floors, Bailey. I told you. Now you guys play while it is still light.”

“Look at our living room, Lucy. Someone has stolen the floors.”

“Hold on you two. No one took the floors. They have been torn up to be replaced. Look I brought a couple of beds to take the place of the couch.”

“Pretty skimpy, Boss. That couch was a gold mine. Is it gone forever?”

“No. Just till the new floors are installed.”

“Hey look at this. A puffy one.”

“Come on Lucy. I was here first.”

“And this means what?”

“Well, you could share.”

“I can see that’s not going to happen.”

“Okay, you guys. We need to move downstairs. The guys are going to rip out the underlayment.”

“That a good girl, Lucy. In the elevator.”

“With your cane, Boss.”

“I noticed. Hey, Bailey you coming?”

“I’m taking the stairs, Pops.”

“Here you are, Lucy. I have to say not much room.”

“That’s okay Boss. I have my beddie. Don’t need much else. Well, my food bowl and water. And toys, backyard, treats, and a ball.”

“How about you, Bailey?”

“Yeah pops. What Lucy said and her bed.”

“I don’t see that happening, Bailey.”

“The night’s still young.”

Circumstances of Childhood featured on N.N.Light’s Book Heaven

February 28, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 29 Comments

I am so proud to have Circumstances of Childhood featured on N.N.Light’s Book Heaven. Here is some information about the site and the services offered as explained by the Lights.

Welcome to N. N. Light’s Book Heaven, the home of N. N. Light Author Promotions, a family run PR firm who caters to busy authors. We’ve been in business since 2015 and pride ourselves on our literary matchmaking abilities. Our followers trust our opinion and if we tell them a book is great, they will often check it out. Many readers discover new authors via word of mouth, especially quality honest book reviews and author interviews. We have the social media reach of over sixty-nine million. We love promoting authors and this is a great way to get exposure for you and your book. Getting people talking about your book is an important step to success as an author. We will create enormous buzz about your book, offer advice and our expertise for your benefit

The specific link for the Circumstances of Childhood promo is here. A visit to the site will give you a lot of useful information about how you can promote your book as well.

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/single-post/2018/02/28/Circumstances-of-Childhood-by-John-Howell-HowellWave-books-thriller-suspense-RRBC

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

February 28, 2018February 27, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 39 Comments

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we were there when Frank Plano seemed to accept the fact that Seth Gibson, the sheriff did not kill Lucas’ parents. He told us all he suspects someone else and even asked the sheriff if he would like to help catch the perpetrator. The sheriff told Frank he would if it made sense. Frank asked for a day to prove his suspicion. Let’s get over to Mrs. Murphy’s since for some reason Frank is headed that way. (Why do I hear cheering out there?)

“Come on Mrs. Murphy. Open up. I just need to ask you a couple of questions.”
“You’re not welcome here, Frank Plano.”
“I know that, Mrs. Murphy. I think I can wrap up this case pretty quickly if you would just give me a couple of minutes.”
“You accusing Alice of anything?”
“No Alice is innocent.”
“You just saying that?”
“No, Mrs. Murphy. As God is my witness, I think Alice is innocent.”
“Well. Okay but no funny business you hear?”
“I hear you well, Mrs. Murphy even though this door is super thick.”
“Is this better?”
“Much. May I come in.”
“Sure. Have a seat.”
“Thank you, but this won’t take much time. I just have a couple of questions.”
“Okay then. Shoot.”
“You paid Jason McDonnell to defend Lucas, right?”
“I did.”
“Knowing full well that the dirt on Alice would be uncovered.”
“That was a chance I was willing to take. Alice is clean now, and the past is the past.”
“It has cost a considerable amount of money so far and will cost more to bring the killers to justice.”
“I don’t care about bringing anyone to justice I just want to clear Lucas.”
“Why is this so important?”
“What do you mean?”
“Lucas is just a person who used to work for you. Why are you so keen on seeing him exonerated from the murder of his parents.”
“He is a young man who deserves a chance. That’s why.”
“Who paid the money?”
“Mr. Plano you are asking some pretty weird questions. I paid the money.”
“If I were to tell you that I’ve uncovered some substantial deposits to your checking account would you want to modify your answer?”
“That’s it Mr. Plano. You can talk to my lawyer from now on.”
“Okay, Mrs. Murphy. Who’s your lawyer?”
“Jason McDonnell.”

Tuesday Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #163 by Keith Channing

February 27, 2018February 26, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 65 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.

“SICWK 302 calling base.”

“Go ahead 302.”

“I have made a safe touchdown and am now active.”

“We copy that 302. We are receiving an image now.”

“I hope to be able to explain it, base.”

“Yeah. The monitors are showing a carbon unit.”

“Copy that, base. It looks to me like one of the life forms on this planet.”

“Can you tell if it is an intelligent life form? ”

“It hasn’t moved in quite a while. It does have unusual facial features. It almost looks like it is trying to determine something.”

“What form did you elect to take?”

“They have something here called an ATM. There were so many I decided to take that form.”

“What is the purpose of this ATM?”

“It is a reservoir for paper.”

“Paper?”

“Yes. My sensors determined that this planet has little pieces of a compound of fibers that the inhabitants use as currency to barter for goods and services.”

“You sound like you know a lot about it.”

“They also have an intelligent being here called Google. This Google knows everything. I believe it is the repository for all knowledge.”

“Well thank the planets you have help. Has the life form moved?”

“No. It is still staring at something on my face.”

“What is on your face?”

“I had to replicate a screen. It gives instructions on how to use the ATM.”

“Why is the life form staring then?”

“Maybe there is a language problem.”

“What language did you use.”

“Ours of course.”

“Um, 302?”

“Yes, base.”

“What are the odds a life form on a distant planet will be able to decipher Scrungy?”

“Google said Scrungys are everywhere. This thing still hasn’t moved. Maybe it is not viable any longer.”

“I’m so glad we sent you on this important mission 302.”

“Why, thank you.”

“Sure,”

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Academy Awards

February 26, 2018February 25, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 58 Comments

The inspiration for this list is the fact that the Academy Awards are next Sunday and I’m sure you are all going as a guest of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. I feel it is my duty to give you some pointers so that you don’t come away from the awards regretting your attendance.

10 If you are attending the Academy Awards as a guest, do not try to get out of your limo before the driver opens your door. If you do, at best you might hit the driver with the swinging door. At worst, there will be a mechanical malfunction, and the driver will be forced to leave the red carpet area with you still in the car. (Pounding on the glass only adds to the chaos, Dev.)

9 If you are attending the Academy Awards as a guest, do not try to walk by Tiny the WWF champ who has been given the assignment of checking all invitations for authenticity. If you do, at best you might be clotheslined by Tiny’s massive arm. At worst, Tiny has been warned once already not to let any party crashes in, so he elects to give you his best body slam to slow you down. (Don’t worry Devereaux, your breath will come back once that EMT puts the oxygen mask on.)

8 If you are attending the Academy Awards as a guest, do not think dancing the Stroll on the red carpet is a good idea. If you do, at best the network reporters will pretend to be busy with someone else. At worst, you will snag your shoe in a wrinkle and go down like a Mosler Safe falling off the twelfth floor. (Yes it was caught on network TV, Devion. Yes, they got your name right. Yes, the moment is being replayed with a laugh track. No, there is not an agent who will touch you.)

7 If you are attending the Academy Awards as a guest, do not complain loudly about how far away your seat is from the event. If you do, at best the room will wonder who elected you king. At worst, the committee head in charge of guest invitations will quietly ask you to leave while the two big goons drag you toes down to the ally. (You just broke the record for the shortest time as a guest, Diarmaid. You should be proud.)

6 If you are attending the Academy Awards as a guest, do not whistle and stomp when your favorite actor wins best performance. If you do, at best the ushers will ask you to stop it. At worst, those around you will take law and order into their own hands. (Hard to make noise with that cumberbund tied firmly around your head isn’t it, Dima?)

5 If you are attending the Academy Awards as a guest, do not think the bottles of wine are for you exclusively. If you do, at best a waiter will remind you. At worst, you will have to fight your tablemates all of which are stunt doubles. (Those people are healthy aren’t they, Dimochka? You might get the feeling back in your arm by Tuesday.)

4 If you are attending the Academy Awards as a guest, do not ask the person next to you if they are going to eat their lobster chunks. If you do, at best they’ll leave. At worst you will find out shortly that the person next to you is a black belt special warfare instructor. (Wow, that throat chop indeed stopped you from wanting lobster hey, Dionysius?)

3 If you are attending the Academy Awards as a guest, do not take the centerpiece. If you do, at best a security person will take it from you. At worst, you’ll make it to the pickup area and then be arrested on National TV for grand larceny. (You always take the centerpiece right, Dohasan? Well not this time.)

2 If you are attending the Academy Awards as a guest, do not do your special dance at the Governor’s Ball. If you do, at best the orchestra will suddenly take a break. At worst, the videos of you dancing will go viral with the caption, “Partygoer who is out of control.” This will do wonders for book sales, Donatello.)

1 If you are attending the Academy Awards as a guest, do not corner your favorite actor, playwright or author. If you do at best, you’ll get a cold shoulder. At worst, a gang of security people will wrestle you to the floor and hold you there for the police. (Why is that camera person continuing to film this travesty of justice, Donavon? Maybe if you stop yelling obscenities they may finish as well.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Whooping Crane Festival

February 25, 2018February 24, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 55 Comments

Here is a description of the festival taken from http://www.whoopingcranefestival.org. You can visit the site for information on events.

This festival in its 22nd year is a one of a kind event, focused on the Whooping Crane, the rarest of cranes and one of the most endangered birds in the world.

The Whooping Crane population is at a record high –an estimated 431 cranes wintered at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge last year. This summer, a record 63 Whooping Crane chicks fledged on the cranes’ breeding grounds at Wood Buffalo National Park in Canada. The Whooping Crane Festival celebrates the annual return of the cranes to their wintering habitat. The Texas Coastal Bend is the only place where you can see the world’s last naturally occurring population of Whooping Cranes.

World-renowned crane expert, Dr. George Archibald, Co-Founder of the International Crane Foundation, will be one of the featured speakers, along with representatives from Wood Buffalo National Park, Operation Migration, the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, and more. Festival activities include boat tours to view the Whooping Cranes, interactive workshops and seminars, birding and nature boat and bus tours, a painting and wine tasting class and a free nature-related trade show.

A whooping Crane

Visitors from all over the country come to Port Aransas for the festival

The registration desk with a hanging quilt depicting the T-shirts from 20 festivals.

This year’s shirt

The Whooping Crane chicks are hatched in Wood Buffalo National Park in Canada.

Representatives of the International Crane Foundation

Information on the Estuaries program and how to keep the Gulf beautiful.

An overall shot of the room. There were just too many booths to feature here. There were gifts, art, jewelry and more.

The famous King Ranch was represented offering birding tours.

Information for birders on the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival.

The Port Aransas Animal Rehabilitation Keep was well represented.

Need binoculars?

Fisherman’s Wharf is represented offering tours to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, home of the Whooping Cranes. This is a model of the Wharf Cat, the boat used for the trip.

If you blow up this photo, you can see which birds have been spotted so far.

A picture of the Wharf Cat and bird enthusiasts waiting to board for the tour.

Another shot

The captain surveying the landlubbers.

Another event that is part of the Whooping Crane Festival is the Wine and Art workshop at the Arts Center

There are wine and snacks too.

Everyone works on their individual rendering of the same piece. Here an artist is drying the background to get ready for the foreground.

Did I mention there was wine?

The artist instructor is demonstrating the application of the foreground.

Here is what each participants piece will look like.

I hope you enjoyed the walk around. It was good to see everyone enjoying themselves.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Door”

February 24, 2018February 23, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 43 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday again and this weeks prompt is “door.” Now just having the word “door” as a prompt would be a little mundane, so Linda Hill kicked it up a notch. She requires “door” to be used in a specific context, which is, a door we have walked through that isn’t our own THIS WEEK. If you would like to join in on this fun go to Linda’s site and read how. Here is the link if you dare.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Feb. 24/18

“Why so glum, chum.”

“I hate to say this, but sometimes your alliterations come at the wrong time.”

“Oh, my. You are in a mood. You been over to Linda Hill’s place again, right?”

“How did you know?”

“Same face every time.”

“It’s cause I like the prompts and want to do well.”

“So what’s the problem?”

“You know I write all the time.”

“Yeah, I do. In fact, I think you are obsessive.”

“Save the psychological analysis for some other time. I have a real problem.”

“Okay. I’m sorry. What’s the problem?”

“Here it is. We are supposed to write about a door that isn’t our own that we have gone through this week.”

“Sounds fun. I don’t see the issue.”

“I only went out once this week.”

“Ah, the old Howard Hughes recluse writer thingy.”

“And guess where I went?”

“A bar, restaurant, museum, or something interesting I hope.”

“That’s just it. I went to the frickin Rheumatologist.”

“What? the Rheumatologist? Oh, that is one exciting trip. How was the door there?”

“You are not helping.”

“What’s with you writers anyway? You have some kind of sun allergy?You’re all the same. To leave the house is like a major deal.”

“We get wrapped up in our work.”

“Yeah, and all your friends are in your head.”

“You are my friend. You aren’t in my head.”

“You’re kidding me right?”

“Yeah. Sorry about that. You are in my head too.”

“I think you need to find a hobby.”

“I have one.”

“Do tell.”

“Making up stories.”

“The prosecution rests your honor.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

February 23, 2018February 22, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 72 Comments

Friday is here. (YAY) With the arrival of Friday starts the last project on our Hurricane Harvey reconstruction list. I am shuddering because this one will involve a lot of inconveniences, dust, and barking dogs. It is the total replacement of the floors on two levels of the house. It will require moving the furniture, lifting the baseboards, and then ripping out the previous floor. Obviously, this will need to be done while we are living here. To give you an idea of the before and after here is a photo of before.

The reason I picked this shot is it will give you an idea of the complexity of the project. All the baseboards have to be taken off. The objects on top of furniture have to be moved to someplace. Then the furniture moved as well. In addition, the refrigerator (in the background) has to go somewhere as well. The pantry and closet (white doors) floors need to be done too. Then the floor has to be taken up and the new one installed. Finally, the baseboards have to be reinstalled, caulked and painted. This action has to be duplicated throughout the house. So when the job is finished, I’ll take a shot of this area and we’ll see how they do. The flooring is delivered and needs to rest in the house for a couple of days so it gets used to the environment. (I hope it likes us)

This week’s JohnKu talks about inconvenience. Hope you have a great weekend.

We must face challenge,

Even inconvenience . . .

In moving forward.