It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this week’s prompt is “Date.” Linda Hill says we can use it any way we want to use it. Which brings up the question, how many ways are there to use “date.” I can think of three right off the bat. 1. The fruit. 2. A social event where at least two people attend. 3. A specific period on the calendar. If you would like to enjoy yourself by joining in for this madness, please go to Linda’s site and read how. https://lindaghill.com/2016/08/19/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-aug-2016/
We finally got a little rain early this week. Not enough to offset the two months of dryness, but as they say, “Every bit helps.” The nice thing is we are expecting a little more next Monday so maybe in combination we will be okay.
The last two days have been back to their old high humidity and high heat index selves. I guess everyone talks about the weather and today’s JohnKu is no exception. I hope you like it.
I am pleased to have P.H. Solomon author of The Bow of Destiny visit Fiction Favorites as part of his “The Lost Bow” blog tour by 4WillsPublishing
Haunted by his past. Hunted in the present. Uncertain what is real.
Athson has seen things that aren’t there and suffered fits since being tragically orphaned as a child at the hands of trolls and Corgren the wizard. When a strange will mentioning a mysterious bow comes into his possession, he’s not sure it’s real. But the trolls that soon pursue him are all too real and dangerous. And what’s worse, these raiders serve Corgren and his master, the hidden dragon, Magdronu, who are responsible for the destruction of his childhood home. Athson is drawn into a quest for the concealed Bow of Hart by the mystic Withling, Hastra, but Athson isn’t always sure what’s real and who his enemies are. With Corgren and Magdronu involved, Athson must face not only frequent danger but his grasp on reality and the reasons behind his tragic past.
The Bow of Destiny is, at its heart, an adventure quest to find a special bow. Where is it? Who has it? Why is truly special? Is the main character meant to possess it and, if so, to what end?
Few people know anything certain about the bow. The Lost Bow Tour leads you on the path to begin finding out all the secrets that lie in The Bow of Destiny. The world of Denaria is open to everyone to begin discovering answers to the questions and enjoy the adventure of this fantasy quest.
Wow, you almost got lost in that river! Good thing you brought those floaties – I think they helped. You almost took a Missoua Boat Ride!
Glad you made it though – I really don’t know where that river goes. Oh yes, here’s a towel, stay down, though, you never know if there’s still a troll shooting arrows this way.
I’ll let you grab a breath for a few minutes after all that and share some different details about The Bow of Destiny. First, here’s a recent review that I liked from a reader who posted on Amazon:
Without any spoilers, I can only say that the author was wise in his choices. The characters are multi-dimensional, yet true to the tone of the epic fantasy in progress. You will find yourself spending far too much time reading this one, and neglecting other things. But in the end, you’ll have had a ride in a world of magic, and more. The journey to…. but that’s a spoiler, so all I’ll say is that one can almost see the trail, and fear the Trolls.
That’s quite nice and one of the best-written reviews I’ve had. Next, here’s the trailer for The Bow of Destiny:
Here are more nice words for The Bow of Destiny which I received in email from a reader:
“I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to step into the magical and special world that you have created. It is a solid and well-crafted work that you should be so thrilled with.”
Now to some internet radio interviews I’ve had over the last year:
“I’ve been waiting for this since reading the prequels, and it was well worth the wait.
The author kept enough of the story a mystery until the right time while maintaining an engrossing story full of description and heartfelt love and angst. One of the highlights for me was the way the story started off with Athson having some difficulty before gradually moving away from some of the elements. I would say more, but I don’t want to spoil it. Sorry.
The characters were well written and engaging to the point I felt for Athson and wanted him to tell off Hastra through most of the book. Lol. Even Athson’s growing relationship with Limbreth felt right and was a pleasant change from the usual “fall in love at first sight” that’s common in fantasy. Out of all of the characters, Corgren remains one of my favorites, but he was bumped down to second place by the giant Ralda. Ralda’s complexity added an element that was briefly touched on in a couple of scenes, and I’m curious to see if his character branches off in his own book or series.
Overall, this has become one of my favorite fantasy books, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.” CP on Amazon
“This is P. H. Solomon’s first book in the Bow of Hart Saga and in a word I found it incredible! The story is so rich with different elements that I found myself totally engrossed from the very beginning.
The opening perspective was very interesting and unexpected. I would say more, but I hate it when people give away too much of the plot in a review.
The action sequences were gripping and written in such a way as to make you feel like you are there with the main character at each twist and turn of the story.
I loved the maps of the lands, the different dialects, and races in the story, the use of magic in that it wasn’t overused but rather a wonderful seasoning to the story.
It is easy to see the time and attention to detail the author has put into this book. Give this story a try; you will not be disappointed!”Jerry Connell on Amazon
“The writing style is great, really enjoyed reading this book. Couldn’t put it down. OK…so book 2?”Malikai on Amazon
That’s all for today, get some rest and I’ll see you tomorrow. You might wear something comfortable for climbing tomorrow for our last little adventure. And, uh, make sure you’ve signed the old will and remember you’re on your own here…
P. H. Solomon lives in the greater Birmingham, AL area where he strongly dislikes yard work and sanding the deck rail. However, he performs these duties to maintain a nice home for his loved ones as well as the family’s German Shepherds. In his spare time, P. H. rides herd as a Computer Whisperer on large computers called servers (harmonica not required). Additionally, he enjoys reading, running, most sports and fantasy football. Having a degree in Anthropology, he also has a wide array of more “serious” interests in addition to working regularly to hone his writing. The Bow of Destiny is his first novel-length title with more soon to come.
I know I’m a couple of days off, but I had a post previously scheduled on Tuesday so I had to switch. Keith Channing’s words. ”
Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr 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 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.”
Wednesday Story Day Again. Last week we left Ben saying a quick hello to Alexis as she was running to her room to pack. It looks like Trudy has put Ben’s plan to get rid of her husband and Alexis into action. If it works, Trudy and Ben will be alone, and you and I will be forced to see sights that we will regret. Let’s hope something else happens to prevent what could be a life scarring moment. Here take this blindfold and don’t take it off until I tell you. There may be sights too horrible for your tender eyes. (Wait! You are a writer, right? Aw, you can take it unless your name’s Dan. If so put it on.)
“Hello, Ben. I’m so glad you are out of that bed.”
“Hi, Trudy. What did you have to show me here in the kitchen.”
“It is not really in the kitchen. It’s in the garage.”
“The garage? What are you trying to pull now?”
“Nothing Ben dear. I have picked out a special gift for you.”
“Excuse me. When you pick out a gift, there must be a reason.”
“Ben dear. I have started your plan to have my husband and Alexis out-of-the-way for a while. At least you could recognize that I’m trying.”
“Aw, I’m sorry. I think that was rather rude of me to imply you had some agenda, and the gift was not from the heart.”
“It is from the heart. You’ll see. You can go into the garage and take a look. I need to give my husband some last-minute instructions. He and Alexis are going on a trip to the Cayman’s as you suggested.”
“Wow. I’m really surprised.”
“I don’t see why. I’m crazy about you. Now just pop in there and I’ll be right back. A taxi should be here shortly. Then you and I can get down to some serious relationship building.”
“Yes, we can. Okay, see you in a bit. Is the gift wrapped?”
“Well, it is pretty hard to cover. You’ll see what I mean.”
“I’m excited.”
“Me too dear. Bye now.”
Welcome to my post which is coming to you from Post Aransas Texas and is only one of the 65+ posts on this year’s Rave Reviews Book Club Book & Blog Party. You can go here to see the complete lineup.
Today if you will leave a comment on this post you will be eligible to win:
A Ten Dollar Gift Card from Amazon
There will be one gift card given away, but you need to comment to be entered in the drawing. The winner will be announced tomorrow.
I would like to give you a little information about my Books.
The first book in the John J. Cannon Trilogy is My GRL
Blurb: John J. Cannon successful San Francisco lawyer takes a leave of absence from the firm and buys a boat he names My GRL. He is unaware that his newly purchased boat had already been targeted by a terrorist group. John’s first inkling of a problem is when he wakes up in the hospital where he learns he was found unconscious next to the dead body of the attractive young woman who sold him the boat in the first place. John now stands between the terrorists and the success of their mission.
Blurb: America loves John Cannon, its newest hero, and the President wants to present him with the highest civilian medal for bravery for saving the Annapolis midshipman from a terrorist plot to destroy them. While in Washington for the award ceremony, John unwillingly becomes an accomplice in another plan by the same group to attack the credibility of the US President and the stability of the worldwide oil market. There is no way out as John either becomes a traitor to America or causes thousands of innocent people to die if he refuses.
Coming in September is the third book in the Trilogy, Our Justice
Blurb: The terrorist leader and financier Matt Jacobs has figured out a plan to eliminate the President. He is relying on John Cannon’s stature as a hero to help him carry it off. John finds himself walking the fine line of pretending to help Matt while trying to figure out a countermeasure to the plan. The third book in the John J. Cannon Trilogy brings together two strong wills for a showdown. The question to be answered is who will feel the satisfaction that the achievement of justice delivers? John, Matt or neither.
The inspiration for this list is the unrelenting heat here in South Texas. (And all over) We have had eight weeks of hot weather and no rain. Normally on the coast, we have the advantage of the Gulf breezes which serve to keep the daytime highs at no more than 89 degrees. Now that may seem warm but compared to the 106 degree inland temperatures 89 feels fresh. Lately, the temperatures have gone above 90 degrees and coupled with humidity; we have been looking at heat indexes of 111 to 113 degrees.
I will admit this list is by design a little overstated and the product of a fiction writer. So natural questions like, “Who would do that there thing?” (avoiding ending the sentence with a preposition) should be tempered with the fact that I MAKE THIS STUFF UP IN MY HEAD.
Ten Things Not to Do in the Heat.
10 If you are in the heat, do not decide to fire your pottery. If you do, at best the 1000 degree oven will win. At worst, you might be forced to take fluids intravenously. (Man, that drip sure gets in the way hey Bunkie?)
9 If you are in the heat, do not do the yard work promised last winter. If you do, at best you will lose intelligence points at home. At worst, that elevated heart beat is signalling you to proceed to the nearest ER. (Too bad no one is at home to drive you, Sport)
8 If you are in the heat, do not tackle that welding project. If you do, at best you may lose weight. At worst, the third-degree burns on your face are in sharp contrast to the non-burned places where your goggles were in place. (A little aloe vera gel might help cool that down.)
7 If you are in the heat, do not volunteer to help out as a crossing guard at the school. If you do, at best the soaking wet shirt makes an interesting statement which the PTA would like to discuss in person. At worst, your memory will always be kept alive in the crossing guard Hall of Fame for not dropping your stop sign as you went down. (What a great testimonial to dedication. Sorry you missed it)
6 If you are in the heat, do not think it was a good idea to carry ice cream home for a treat. If you do, at best you can still enjoy the Oreo chunks which are all that is left. At worst, tucking the ice cream into your recyclable bag along with your wallet proved to be a mistake on several levels. (Handing the police your ice cream soaked license was a big mistake. “I had to get home officer before the ice cream melted.”)
5 If you are in the heat, do not think several adult beverages will help you stay cool. If you do, at best you may be hot but can’t feel a thing. At worst, you overdo it and realize you slept in the yard all night. (Don’t worry about those mosquito bites. The swelling will go down, and you will be able to see in a day or two.)
4 If you are in the heat, do not think sitting in water all day will spare you from suffering. If you do, at best you will suffer prune body. At worst, you will need help getting out of the water since you absorbed many gallons and now weigh over three hundred pounds. (The six o’clock news has the entire rescue recorded for replay at ten o’clock as well.)
3 If you are in the heat, do not decide to take up running as an exercise. If you do, at best you will faint after two blocks. At worst, you will finish a five-mile run and have to take three weeks off work to recover. ( Who was that person who gave you a lift home anyway?)
2 If you are in the heat, do not decide to use your super big grill and smoker. If you do, at best you will choose to finish everything in the oven in the house. At worst, you will have created an environment that is hotter than the hinges on the gates to hell, and you can’t get cool. ( Chugging the five-gallon water cooler bottle might help. Maybe not.)
1 If you are in the heat, do not think your pets have some magic immunity to the high temperatures. If you do, at best you may need to cool them off quickly. At worst, you may need to get them to the nearest vet for emergency treatment. (Okay, this one is serious and all too often people forget to keep their pets (and children sorry to say) protected from the effects of high temperatures.
Port Aransas has a long history with a particular boat named after its designer and builder Charles Frederick Farley. The boat was initially needed to handle the choppy waters of the Gulf while fishing for Tarpon. In 1915 the Farley and Son Boat Builders company was founded with the idea of building unique boats in Port Aransas for the rough waters of the Gulf and Tarpon fishing. These boats had a large bow to break the waves and relatively low sides to make fishing easier.
Here is a famous picture of President Roosevelt catching a Tarpon from a Farley boat.
The Tarpon eventually ran out, and the Farley Boat Works stopped building boats.
Today Port Aransas keeps the spirit of the Farley Boat alive through the Farley Boat Works Museum (which we will visit another time) and cement Farley Boats scattered around town.
This post will give you an idea of some of the Farley boats on display.
The first shows a boat that the owner painted to match the house
This next one is in front of a business which I featured a couple of Sunday’s ago. All pink indeed blocks out the boat name.
I love this next one since it is in front of a person’s house. Notice the water waves at the bottom of the boat and the beware of dog sign on the fence. (I sure did) The flowers are lovely.
This next one is in front of the newspaper office and has some plants as well as a partially hidden cat ready to have some fish. You can also tell by the color of the grass in these pictures that we have not had any rain since early June.
This one is interesting in that the owner painted it to look like wood and then loaded it with rocks. (which don’t require much water)
This next one is also painted to look like wood and has a beautiful turquoise deck.
These next three are along the road wich leads to Robert’s Point Park. The last of the three is quite colorful.
This boat is outside the Chamber of Commerce. Hard to believe these boats are made out of concrete isn’t it?
The next three are in front of businesses.
The final boat for this tour is in front of the cutest house that is under remodel. A little bit of the porch is visible.
It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and we have a new logo. John Holton is the genius behind its design. This week’s prompt is “cash” and Linda Hill says we can use it as a noun, verb or anything we want. If you would like to learn more here is a link into the Twilight Zone where you’ll certainly be on your own.https://lindaghill.com/2016/08/12/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-august-1316/
“No, you’re not. You don’t even look like Johnny Cash.”
“I really would like to be Johnny Cash, though.”
“Well, that black outfit sure gives the illusion.”
“Yeah, too bad I can play the guitar.”
“You don’t need to do that. There a plenty of guitar players. All you have to do is sing.”
“I’m afraid I can’t do that either. Listen. ‘I hold out for the tie that binds, I walk the line”‘
“You are certainly right about the non-singing part. Maybe if you just stood in the dark with that black hat and outfit, someone may think you are Johnny Cash.”
“You think so?”
“No. Had you going there didn’t I.”
“Okay, so I’m no Johnny Cash. Who can I be then?”
“Why don’t you try yourself?”
“How would I earn money that way.”
“Ever think of working?”
“Uh. There’s that word again. Why does everyone think I should work?”
“I think most of us are tired of handing you cash when you beg.”
“Beg? I don’t beg. By the way, you wouldn’t have a couple of bucks you could lend me do ya?”
“No.”
“Aw, come on. I have not eaten in days, and I just need a little food so I can go job hunting.”
“You’re begging.”
“Seriously? No, I’m not. I’m just giving you the rationale for handing me some coin so I can cash it in on a burger.”
“Then what?”
“Then what what?”
“After the burger then what?”
“I’ll see if the burger joint is hiring.”
“Right. I can see you doing that after your burger. You’ll take a nap is what you’ll do.”
“How do you know?”
“How many burgers have I funded.”
“Oh, maybe a few.”
“Like hundreds and after each one you have a nap on the bench.”
“You know what?”
“What?”
“You’re right. I need to get a grip. Don’t give me the burger cash.”
Ah, another end of the week. We have been waiting anxiously for the equestrian events to begin at the Olympics. We are not much for the other sports but do love to watch horses compete. We enjoyed fifteen years of watching daughter in competition, and I guess it never leaves the blood. Today’s JohnKu talks about passion. I hope you like it.
Ah, another end of the week. We have been waiting anxiously for the equestrian events to begin at the Olympics. We are not much for the other sports but do love to watch horses compete. We enjoyed fifteen years of watching daughter in competition, and I guess it never leaves the blood. Today’s JohnKu talks about passion. I hope you like it.