Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Do/Dew/Due

September 30, 2017September 29, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 32 Comments

Do/Dew/Due is our Stream of Consciousness prompt for the week. Also if we start the post with two of the words, there are bonus points. If we end the post with two of them, there are more bonus points. Enough to get a round-trip ticket to Omaha. (I think.) If you would like to join in on the fun go to Linda Hill’s blog and check it out. Don’t expect to see Linda there. She is off signing books. You will run into Dan Antion who made up this whole mess this week. Here’s the link. https://lindaghill.com/2017/09/29/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-september-30-17/

“Do, dew, dew? Which one do I use?”

“What are you talking about?”

“I have this prompt today, and I’m not sure which word to use.”

“What are the words?”

“Do, dew, due.”

“Don’t, don’t, don’t.”

“What do you mean?”

“You said do, do, do and I countered with don’t, don’t, don’t.”

“No the words are do, d-o. Dew, D-e-w. Due, d-u-e.”

“What the heck. Who came up with that one?”

“Dan Antion.”

“The ‘No Facilities,’ guy?”

“Yup. That’s the one.”

“Ah, no wonder. I’m surprised he didn’t do some kind of breakfast prompt.”

“Okay enough about Dan. Which word should I use?”

“I don’t think it matters.”

“We get extra credit for ending the post with two of them.”

“Sounds like Dan. I would use dew up front and then finish off with do, due.”

“Great idea so here we go. Ahem. The dew licked his boots like a hungry cat.”

“Hold it.”

“What?”

“The dew licked his boots like a hungry cat? Where did that come from?”

“It is descriptive of heavy dew.”

“Cats don’t lick boots.”

“It is not to be taken literally.”

“Okay proceed.”

“He wanted to do to others what they were due.”

“Well, you fit both in there. Where is the story going?”

“I’m not sure.”

“Do you think you are only writing something to cover the prompt?”

“Not very smart huh?”

“That is a little harsh. Let’s just say you are trying to do a prompt that is due before the morning dew.”

Friday John KU – AKA Don Massenzio Kindle Scout Effort

September 29, 2017September 20, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 32 Comments

Introducing Kindle Scout Candidate – Blood Match – By Don Massenzio

Blood Match, a new thriller by Don Massenzio is currently a candidate in the Kindle Scout Program.

What is the Kindle Scout Program?

Kindle Scout is reader-powered publishing for new, never-before-published books. … Selected books will be published by Kindle Press and receive 5-year renewable terms, an advance, royalties and featured Amazon marketing.

A Little about the book:

Intelligence analyst Jake Balrich boards his Monday morning flight, as he has so many times, for routine field work. When the plan lands, a passenger fails to wake up. Jake soon realizes that the death was not accidental and that the murderous plot was meant for him.

The situation soon spins out of control with Balrich running for his life trying to prove his own innocence as he struggles with an unknown enemy that seems to guess his every move.

Blood Match is a terrorism thriller examines how far someone will go to reach the height of power and ambition with little regard for human life.

Follow Jake, Balrich as he enlists the help of Commander Brad Rafferty, to take down an enemy more powerful and dangerous than the United States has ever faced.

Some of you may recognize this story. It originally appeared as a weekly serial on my blog under the name Road Kill. The story has been reworked and many extras have been added to turn it into this novel.

Why is it a Kindle Scout Candidate?

If Don’s book is selected for publication by Kindle Scout, it can help take his writing to the next level in terms of exposure and recognition.

How can you help?

First and foremost, you can vote to nominate the book. The campaign goes up on September 20th at midnight and will continue through October 20th. You can vote for it and preview the opening of the book by clicking HERE.

How can you help even more?

Spread the word. Don has made it easy for you using something called Thunderclap. Thunderclap is a social media tool that allows you to effortlessly spread the word using your social media accounts with a pre-written message. All of your followers will receive the message. You can help by signing up for the Thunderclap campaign HERE.

What’s in it for you?

Apart from Don’s eternal gratitude, if his book is selected, you will receive a free pre-launch copy from Amazon and will have the opportunity to officially review it before its launch. That is a free book for you, but it also help, yet again, by allowing the book to launch with established reviews.

Friday John Ku – AKA – TGIF

September 29, 2017September 28, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

Funny Friday

Friday is here again, and I am pleased to say we finally have internet. This now means I can no longer write off typos as something associated with Hurricane Harvey. This is sad because of all the things Harvey messed up, the only positive thing to come out was a way to effectively blame something else for typos. I guess I’ll have to go back to owning the mistakes. This is the weekend of the launch of Circumstances of Childhood. I think everything is ready. Today’s John Ku talks about how quiet it is before a major event. I hope you all have a great weekend. (I’ll be watching cat videos on YouTube.)

Ever notice just before,

A major event kicks off . . .

There’s a kind of hush.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Slow Day

September 28, 2017September 27, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 72 Comments

Stella

“Hey, John.”

“Yes, Stella.”

“Where you been?”

“I was out taking photos.”

Stella

“With that iPhone?”

“Yes with the iPhone.”

“Pretty low-tech I would say.”

“Want to see one?”

“Well, it is a while before lunch so what the heck. Sure.”

Flag on the beach

“What is that?”

“Someone put a flag on the beach with a stick as a flagpole.”

“Why would they do that?”

“I think they were making a statement about being stronger than Hurricane Harvey.”

Stella

“That is a statement for sure.”

“Want another?”

“Not going anywhere, John. Why not?”

After the rain

“Okay. I get the cloud, but I’m sure there is more behind this one.”

“You are very intuitive, Stella. This shot depicts a new day after a storm.”

“I can see that. You know we felines don’t do a lot with symbols.”

“I know. It’s okay. Where are Lucy and Bailey?”

Lucy, Bailey, Stella

“Two guesses, John. If you use the term ‘couch’ you’ll guess right on each”

“I see. Well thanks for looking at my photos today”

“Anytime, John. If you’ll excuse me. Since we still have some time before lunch I think I take a lay down. You will call me when lunch is ready, right?”

“You can count on me, Stella.”

“Thanks, John. I know that for a fact.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

September 27, 2017September 26, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 43 Comments

Hump Day

It is Wednesday Story Day again and last week we left Lucas and Jason McDonnell, Lucas’ lawyer in deep discussion about Lucas’ sister. We should go back since I see the lawyer has additional questions.

“So, Lucas you called her a loser?”
“Yes. I should have kept my mouth shut.”
“Let’s not worry about that now. When she came at you what did you do?”
“I shoved her and she fell.”
“I thought you said you hit her.”
“Well shove or hit. What’s the difference?”
“A lot. Tell what happened after you shoved her.”
“As I said she fell.”
“What did you do next?”
“I checked her and she was knocked out.”
“How do you know?”
“Well, it was like she was sleeping.”
“You could see her breathing?”
“Yes for sure.”
“Then what?”
“I ran for help.”
“Ran for help? Where did you run?”
“I had to go down the street. I pounded on a few doors but no one was home.”
“Then what happened?”
“A guy called 911.”
“So the EMTs came to the house?”
“I don’t know.”
“You don’t know? What do you mean you don’t know?”
“I ran.”
“Oh, that is information I don’t need.”
“What do you mean?”
“Why did you run?”
“I was scared. I didn’t know what to do.”
“Yeah. Why is it when we get scared we decide to run?”
“I’m in trouble huh?”
“Let me think before I answer that question.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #141 by Keith Channing

September 26, 2017September 25, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 46 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 keith@channing.info 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.

Kreative Kue #141

“Yeah, hello.”

“Who you calling?”

“I’m trying to reach home.”

“Why? We are fine. You know father gets all funny when we call him.”

“He just is worried is all. He thinks something is wrong all the time. Hello is this you, father?”

“Did you get him?”

“No there is something wrong with the connection. I’ll try later.”

“How many bars do you have?”

“Hmm. My cell says no service.”

“That’s why you can’t get through. You’ll have to wait until we get near a tower.”

“You would think there would be some service. We are right in the middle of a major city.”

“Yeah. Urm what city is this?”

“What do you mean ‘What city is this?’ It’s the one we flew into yesterday.”

“Name it.”

“OMG, I forgot the name.”

“Right. I don’t believe you can tell me what day it is either.”

“It’s Tuesda— Wait, no it’s Monday. Yes, it’s Monday.”

“You sure?”

“Why are you asking me these questions.”

“Because we are lost that’s why. We boarded a plane on Saturday and flew off into the sky. Do you remember landing anywhere?”

“Um. Now that you mention it, no.”

“See. I’m telling you we are in another dimension.”

“I’m not sure. Let’s ask someone.”

“Okay, there’s a person. Hey, could you tell us where we are?”

“They didn’t hear you. Ask another.”

“Young lady. Over here. Can you tell us where we are?”

“There is something wrong none of them hear you.”

“I’m starting to get scared. Oh, look, a police officer. Officer, can you help us?”

“Yes, what is it?”

“You can hear me then?”

“Of course I can. What is it you want?”

“Could you tell us where we are?”

“Certainly. You are in a photo in a prompt run by a couple of idiots.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do Before You’ve Had Your Coffee

September 25, 2017September 25, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 73 Comments

Coffee

The inspiration for this list came from the various and sundry things that needed to be done to begin to get back to normal after Hurricane Harvey. I haven’t done any of these, but it was fun pretending and I would certainly have some coffee before trying.

10 If you’ve not had your coffee, do not meet with a FEMA representative. If you do, at best you’ll have to excuse your behavior. At worst, the US marshalls will call in reinforcements to help extricate you from the room. (Who would have thought that raising your voice would have caused that reaction, Baltazar?)

9 If you’ve not had your coffee, do not call your cable provider to request service. If you do, at best you’ll be on hold for an hour. At worst you’ll get to talk to Tiny the WWF champ who just got released from his sociopath support group. (The two of you are having an excellent debate. Why is it he keeps wanting to know where you live, Banjo?)

8 If you’ve not had your coffee, do not take your car in for service. If you do, at best they will honor your appointment time. At worst, you’ll sit in the lounge for an hour trying to avoid being stepped on by two hyperactive toddlers. (They have already apologized for the fact the coffee machine is out-of-order. You might as well try to relax and for heaven’s sake quit thinking about that letter you plan to write to the CEO of the service company, Barnaby.)

7 If you’ve not had your coffee, do not visit the license bureau to renew your driver’s license. If you do, at best you’ll get a low number for service. At worst, you have pulled number 208, and they are now serving number four. (The drive through at McDonald’s wait now looks like a breeze compared to this huh, Beaudoin?)

6 If you’ve not had your coffee, do not visit the bank to ask for a loan. If you do, at best it is a bank holiday. At worst, you will finally admit that you really need the money and will, therefore, be denied the loan. Too bad your decaf state caused you to forget the rule about “those who have gets,” Bellamy.)

5 If you’ve not had your coffee, do not meet with your boss to talk about your career. If you do, at best your boss caught the flu and is out sick today. At worst, your discussion could have taken a nasty turn when your boss suggested you need some additional training. (If you had some caffeine, Benjamin maybe you would not have pounded on the bosses desk causing security to escort you to the parking lot. Tomorrow ought to be interesting.)

4 If you’ve not had your coffee, do not try to complete that delicate experiment with the new product at work. If you do, at best you’ll come to your senses. At worst, you are now in a position of being responsible for a complete redo. (You were sure your shaking hands would not be a factor right, Bennet?)

3 If you’ve not had your coffee, do not try to write that breakthrough chapter on your book. If you do, at best you and the keyboard will have a staring contest. At worst, you will forge ahead and write what you think is the best stuff you have ever done. (Really tough to file 13 all those words isn’t it Bodee?)

2 If you’ve not had your coffee, do not read that last two-star review. If you do, at best you’ll be diverted by a natural disaster. At worst, even though some of the points may be well taken, you vow out loud to hunt the person down and hit them with a poison dart. (Sure it’s the lack of caffeine talking, but you are scaring the kids, Braddock.)

1 If you’ve not had your coffee, do not try to create that meaningful post that you hope everyone will love. If you do, at best, the typos will kill you. At worst, only after you have posted and read what you have written do you see the similarity to the Unibomber manifesto. (Good luck getting that one canceled off all the social media sites, Brayden.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Community Spirit

September 24, 2017September 23, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 87 Comments

Continuing with my thoughts on maintaining a positive focus regarding Hurricane Harvey, I am featuring three separate groups who have set up relief points in town. All the goods in these relief locations are donations from kind folks outside of Port Aransas. These contributions have made a difference in helping folks through a very tough time.

Community spirit

Our first stop is the Recovery Supply Depot at Robert’s Point Park

Here residents can find almost anything in cleaning supplies, hardware, and food. Bear in mind the local grocery store just opened this week with a very limited supply.

This shot will give you an idea of the magnitude of the donations. There are even wheelchairs available.

I loved this shot since it shows bikes, shovels and rakes.

When I took this picture a guy off camera asked,”Do you have any tarps?” The answer was, “Sure do. What size?”

Port Aransas spirit

The next relief point is Cowboy Camp David. A place run by volunteers offering free food, water, and hugs. The words across the Texas image on the right of the sign read “Texas Strong.”

Water is very important and is available here.

The volunteers are setting up for lunch

The local churches were hard hit so Camp David is the point to gather for worship.

Cooking under a pop-up.

Two things every Texan loves. Bar-b-que and the Texas flag.

This relief point is the Harvey Help Center and is located in the ruins of the Laughing Horse Motel. There are bins of cleaning supplies, food, and clothes. (The Fritos looked especially good)

Here is a shot of the women who run this relief spot. I was impressed by their enthusiasm and desire to help those in need.

Friday John Ku – AKA – TGIF

September 22, 2017September 23, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 66 Comments

Funny Friday

Friday is here already. Time does fly when you are having fun. I still don’t have internet or TV, but I am managing quite well on my AT&T cell phone. The speed isn’t all that red-hot, but I’m able to work it through. I did cancel my Spectrum service since they refused to credit my account for the time of the hurricane and until when it comes back. (Yes, they billed me the full amount payable in advance. You know how it is.) They wanted me to take a seasonal rate of $5.00 per service, and they would disconnect my service for a month. I explained that the only season I knew about was Hurricane season and I didn’t see why I should pay anything for no service. Long story short it was easier to disconnect.

I went to the local phone company and signed up for DSL which should be turned on today sometime. I also called Direct TV and signed up for satellite service. Between the two I’m saving over one-hundred dollars a month. I was appalled at the lack of empathy by Spectrum. I even sent a letter to their CEO and got one of his minions to explain that they really didn’t have a policy covering outages. Anyway, the good news is Spectrum is still without service here and it looks like by the weekend I will be up and running.

I was appalled at the lack of empathy by Spectrum. I even sent a letter to their CEO and got one of his minions to explain that they really didn’t have a policy covering outages. Anyway, the good news is Spectrum is still without service here and it looks like by the weekend I will be up and running.

Through it all, I managed to get Circumstances of Childhood up on Kindle and am waiting for the final proof of the paper edition. it should be good to go, but I want one final check. Today’s John Ku talks about Karma which I hope Spectrum understands that a whole boatload is coming their way if this is how they have treated all their Hurricane Harvey customers. It won’t be the good kind either.

Do unto others,

As you would like done to you. . .

Karma is a bitch.

Have a great weekend.