It is Friday again and time to look forward to a little bit of rest. This has been a busy week. Gwen Plano and I have been a guest on some remarkable blogs this week. We are so grateful for the support that we have received and do thank everyone who has been generous enough to share their precious blog space with us. Since I have been reblogging them, you know who they are.  Our promotion goes one more week so you will see some interesting places to visit.

Today’s JohnKu talks to the idea that we authors are a lonely bunch who cannot thrive alone. It is a paradox that consistently tells us to appreciate those who are willing to help. We should also be reminded to give back to those who assist us when they are in such need. Have a safe and happy weekend.

Help by John W. Howell ©2018

We think we have strength,

To work a problem alone. . .

Until we have help.

 

 

 

Another week has passed. I have often wondered if we all consciously attempt to put in the best week possible. By that I mean do we continually strive to fill the week with the kind of accomplishments that we will be proud to say we finished. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I’m just happy to have the week done. This is usually because of a specific challenge that has taken more energy than initially anticipated. It is that kind of week where I’m embarrassed to take stock of the progress of whatever it is I’m working on.

I tend to write the week off and hope the next will be better. I wonder how many times I have done that very thing. I know when I’m editing I tend to believe I’m accomplishing nothing. I know in my head that I am getting things done, but in my heart, I still feel less than stellar about the progress.

The one thing that really gives me the feeling that I deserve a gold star is when I have a good week of writing on my WIP. There can be no denying that a congratulation is well-earned. Why is it then that even though I do seven blog posts a week and handle over one hundred and eighty e-mails a day, none of that work gets classified as accomplished in my mind? Let’s not even mention the one hundred Tweets and thanks daily as well. Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram time? Forget it. Nothing seems to count but WIP productivity.

What the hell. Am I sick or What?

Todays JohnKu wonders about Social media productivity. Have a great weekend.

Social Media by John W. Howell ©2018

Social media,

Takes a lot of work daily . . .

To whose benefit?

 

Another week into the history books. I guess we all had our share of triumphs and defeats. I’m not sure we can expect an easy ride but let’s say the bumps in the road make you aware you are going somewhere. I’m sure you have been on an auto trip where you had a long stretch of highway. Isn’t it amazing that you can travel on that road and totally not remember what you have passed? Hit a pothole, and you are instantly transported to the present.

I’m reminded of a flight I was taking from a small town in Indiana to Chicago O’Hare airport. This was a regional carrier and small turboprop aircraft. Where I was seated on the right side of the plane, I could see the pilots and instrument panel. We had just started to enter a holding pattern above the fuel tanks of Gary Indiana when the right engine disintegrated. Yes, chunks came into the cabin, but no one was hit. I was able to hear the pilot’s comment to the co-pilot just as all the lights on the right side of the panel went red and the and the emergency alarm began announcing “Fire.”

So what did the captain say as he was jolted into the here and now? I thought that his words would allow the NTSB to forever close the case with the explanation he shouted out to his co-pilot.

“What the hell was that?” was all he offered.

Long story short we landed safely, we all applauded the pilot and since I was the last to leave I heard him say to the co-pilot, “Some days we do earn our pay.”

Today’s JohnKu talks about those bumps in the road. I hope you have a wonderful Weekend.

Bumps by John W. Howell © 2018

Those who expect it smooth,

Are the most disorganized. . .

After the first bump.

 

 

Friday has arrived once more. Given the way the stock market has been behaving, I have one more reason to love Friday. It is the eve of two days where the idiots of Wall Street have to be content with no trades. So, no matter what Trump Tweets, or what Congress does not decide, or who Syria decides to murder, the market stays where it is for two blessed days.

When we decide to give up our day jobs things like market volatility take on a new perspective. While working, any drops in the market can be viewed as an “oh well,” situation. While retired, such declines are accompanied by a nitro-glycerin capsule under the tongue. Sage advice is to think in long-term concepts both for those still working and retired folks. That is good advice to follow as long as there is still some lifeline in the long-term.

Today’s JohnKu talks about stability. I hope you have a great weekend.

Stability by John W. Howell © 2018

Steady as she goes,

Is good for the heart and soul . . .

Chaos takes its toll.

 

Another Friday is upon us. I hope your week was good. Ours was fantastic. Our little rescue puppy, Twiggy arrived, and we haven’t been the same since. She is a bundle of energy and has a household of boxers and humans attending to her every whim. Of course, Eight-week-old puppies don’t have many whims. Eat, play, poop, pee, and sleep is about the repertoire. She does love to chase the boxers, and one cannot help laughing out loud at that scene. Two huge dogs running from her as if she just stepped out of an MGM lion logo shot.

The Contract is nearing completion. The paper edition is formatted, and the e-book should be done by the weekend. Gwen and I are formulating the marketing plan and know we will need some volunteers for a launch post. The launch is scheduled for June 11th with a pre-order period of a week before. We will need enough blog stops to fill two weeks. Stay tuned.

Today’s John Ku talks about the newness of life to the young. I hope you have a super weekend.

It’s New by John W. Howell © 2018

What seems old to us,

Takes on a new-minted face. . .

When a baby looks.