Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Tip”

A picture of a string with drops of water- the logo for SoCS

Taking my time with my coffee seems like a good way to welcome a Saturday morning. Listening to the cardinals do their imitation of the Jersey boys standing on the corner reminds me to check the mailbox for any hint of a prompt.

A move to the front door was interrupted by what sounded like some big guy doing a cannonball into a pool from a twelve-meter platform. A look into the backyard gave me a tip as to the source of the sound,

There was an Olympic size pool and diving platform where just last night was only turf and crossvine. It appears as if the execution of the cannonball caused a tsunami that has washed over the yard. There is a big guy swimming for the edge.

A yell causes him to look up at me standing on the porch, wondering where sandbags can be secured this early. I cup my mouth with my hands. “What are you doing?”

He yelled back, “The breaststroke.”

My mind gave him props for his comedic timing. However, my body screamed for him to get out of that pool and tell me what’s going on. I don’t have a pool and need to get to the bottom of this situation. The jamoke lumbered over and explained that he was an animator from Warner Brother’s studio and did all this animation on behalf of Linda Hill.

Of course, he did. He received a tip from me to rewind, erase, or whatever else one does to get rid of an animation scene. He handed me an envelope, and once the yard was back to normal, I opened it. Here is what it said. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “tip.” Use it as a noun or a verb. Have fun!

If you would like to join in on the fun, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2022/04/01/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-april-2-2022/

Tip by John W. Howell © 2022

“You have gone off the deep end.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Who’s going to believe some guy drew a pool and then dove into it.”

“Technically, he jumped into it.”

“My point is, who’s going to believe that?”

“There is no reason to believe. It’s fiction.”

“So what are we supposed to do with it then?”

“Laugh, cry, shout, ignore, or anything else ty want to do.”

“Come on. Some guy draws a pool. Don’t you think that’s farfetched?”

“Let me give you a tip.”

“Ah, the prompt.”

“Yes, but that’s not why I’m giving you a tip.”

“So why?”

“To open your mind to the creative process.”

“So, what’s the tip.”

“Enjoy more. Question less.”

“That’s it.”

“Yup.”

“How do I apply that to life.”

“What if I drew a bottle of VooDoo Ranger right now.”

“I would rather have a real one, thank you.”

“Yes, but the drawing could remind you of your last experience.”

“I agree. It could.”

“Okay so here’s the bottle I drew.”

“Uh huh?”

“Take a tase.”

“Brother. Okay, I’ll humor you. Hummm.”

“What?”

“Tastes pretty good. A little dry maybe.”

“You’re kidding right?

“Of course. After all it’s your post.”

“You dog.”

“Let’s go get a real one.”

“After you.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News

Today’s good news story comes from the Good News Network. Here is an excerpt. The whole story is HERE.

Danish Company Creates Children’s Book to Make Ukrainian Refugees Feel at Home – And it’s Adorable

Photo submitted to Mediabrands Content Studio

As millions of Ukrainian women and children take refuge in other European nations, one inspiring act of kindness by workers at a Denmark office of Mediabrands Content Studio is warming hearts and going viral.

With Denmark already haven taken in thousands of refugees, the Mediabrands branch was inspired to write and create a free children’s book for Ukrainian speakers called “Welcome to Denmark”.

The charming booklet introduces refugees to the country while highlighting the cultural similarities of the two cultures, to help make the new refugees feel safer and more at ease.

The publishing team was thrilled to be connected with a Ukrainian female refugee who agreed to translate the copy.

20,000 copies were printed, and the book’s availability was announced through social media, hoping people or local organizations might be able to use them.

72 hours later, all 20,000 copies were distributed. Their office was inundated with requests, so 20,000 more are currently being printed. [UPDATE: Following this GNN article’s publication, the company said they’ve received a total of 100,000 orders.]

Queries came in from Danish train, bus, and ferry companies that want to give them to newly arriving Ukrainian passengers. At the same time, it acts as a mini-phrasebook that can make it easier to make friends and understand many new things around them.

 

Mediabrands Content Studio – The Cover

The good news here is an American company in Denmark wanted to make Ukrainian refugees feel welcome.

Today’s JohnKu talks about welcoming new friends. I hope you have a great weekend

Strangers by John W. Howell © 2022

I don’t recognize,
Your face, clothes, language, or name . . .
No matter, we’re friends.

 

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Lucy

“What the heck, Little One. It looks like someone shot a tree.”

“Big winds last night. Ixnay on the eveslay.”

“Huh. What do you mean?”

“Dad’s on the other side of the yard. So don’t talk about the leaves.”

“Why not?”

“It will cause him to get that noise monster out to pick them up.”

“I don’t think talking about them will have any effect. He knows they are here.”

“You don’t need to yell that all over the place.”

“He’s gone inside, so he can’t hear me. What are you doing?”

“I’m having a staring contest. I’ll bet I can make you look away.”

“Yeah, okay, you made me look away. You win.

“You didn’t even try. I’ll race you to the patio.”

“Okay, you win that too. Next time give me a heads up when it’s time to run.”

“I really don’t think it will make any difference. It reminds me of the tortoise and the hare.”

“You know how that turned out, don’t you? My, these impatiens are beautiful.”

“No, I never finished reading the story. So how does it turn out?”

The hare was so confident that he took a nap, and the tortoise passed him up and won the race.”

“Aw, that would never happen. The hare was so fast and the tortoise so slow.”

“Well, the tortoise just kept at it, and the hare slacked off. It’s a good lesson.

“To keep doing your best?”

“That’s it, Little one.”

“How’s your treat begging skill?”

 

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 353

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 on 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.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next time.”

The photo.

Vacation home by John W. Howell © 2022

“Hey, honey, look at this.”

Peaceful Vacation Home For Sale

2 bed, 1 bath, Lakefront property in a well-established community.

Close to schools and shopping. Too many amenities to fully list.

Features private lake access, a park-like setting. Massive sun porch,

metal roof, mature landscaping, and trees. Imagine you and your family

living in paradise. There is plenty of room to redecorate

and make it your own at this price. Hurry, this one won’t last.

$599,000

“Looks great. Let’s go see it.”

“That means getting a flight. We always lose out when we spend too much time. So I say we make an offer. How bad could it be?”

“I suppose you are right. Give the agent a call. I wish there was a picture, though.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do When Changing Internet, Phone, or TV Providers

Photo by Domenico Loia on Unsplash

 

Originally posted on April 13, 2015, when a new provider was needed. However, I think these might still be useful.

* * *

 

Top Ten Things Not to Do When Changing Internet, Phone, or TV Providers

10 If you are changing providers, do not expect anything to work that day. If you do, at best, you will be frustrated. At worst, you will need someone handy to apply some electroshock to bring you back. (This technology should not be so difficult.)

9 If you are changing providers, do not let them touch anything until verifying the price. If you do, at best, the price will be the same as agreed. At worst, some clod in the sales department quoted you a price on just half the equipment, and now the COD charge is twice the quote. (and your other provider has already disconnected your service.)

8 If you are changing providers, do not let the tech leave until you try everything. If you do, at best, there will be no batteries in the remotes. At worst, your internet and TV resemble something driven by a captured mouse on a wheel that hasn’t had a square meal in weeks. (Maybe Edison put this stuff together.)

7 If you are changing providers, do not let them come to the house until they have confirmed your old phone number will be ready to hook up. If you do, at best, you will be given a temporary number until your old number is available. At worst, the old number will not be available for a few weeks, and in the meantime, your number is one digit off from an all-night at-home massage service. (The company’s name is Happy Ending, which should tell you something.)

6 If you are changing providers, do not think all your precious recordings on the old DVR will stay with you. If you do, at best, you will be surprised. At worst, you will sadly realize those episodes of NCIS that you were going to watch over the summer no longer exist, and you will have no idea how the season and the series end. (Sure, you could subscribe to a streaming service if your credit score exceeds 25.)

5 If you are changing providers, pay no attention when the tech says, “Oh-oh, that’s not good.” If you do, at best, you will lose confidence in getting service quickly. At worst, you will be drawn into a conflict between the tech and his home office over whether or not you are in the TV service area. (It makes you feel like you live on an island.)

4 If you are changing providers, do not plan on getting anything else done that day. If you do, at best, you will be hard-pressed to cancel plans. At worst, you will have planned an important meeting that was to take place in the afternoon but since the tech is still working you have a decision between getting TV, Internet and phone service or keeping your job. (Not much of a choice. Take the entertainment.)

3 If you are changing providers, do not suggest to the tech that there might be a better way to install something. If you do, at best, the tech will ignore you. At worst, the tech will follow your direction, and because you were not clear, you now have a significant hole in the wall between your living and dining room and a not-so-attractive black cable running across the floor. (be careful and don’t trip on that thing.)

2 If you are changing providers, do not plan on downloading those large files from work. If you do, at best, your temporary download speed will mean the job will be finished sometime in June. At worst, the sensitive Federal documents and files you are attempting to download show up on your neighbor’s computer. (Sadly, your neighbor works for WiKi-leaks, and now a Homeland Security SWAT team is pounding on your front door.)

1 If you are changing providers, do not plan on using the equipment for at least three days and twenty-four hours on the cell phone with the customer and technical support. If you do, at best, you will be wondering why you are participating in this particular hell. At worst, we will be watching the late news seeing you on top of the provider’s customer care center blinded by bright searchlights and being ordered not to jump. (or even worse, to put the automatic weapon down)

Views of the Neighborhood – Grand Opening of the Lakeway Playscape

Artist rendering of the playscape

The new playscape is designed for kids ages 2 to 12. It features three-shade cloth-covered climbing towers, a hover net, pre-cast concrete logs, boulders and a bison rock, multi-generational swings, a ten-spin merry-go-round, and musical instruments.

Today’s excursion is to Lakeway Park for the Grand Re-opening of the playscape. The playscape has undergone some renovations and upgrades, and now it’s time to participate in the celebration. Today’s brunch is catered by Jack Allen’s Kitchen in Austin. Our entertainment is Little Big Town.

BRUNCH MENU BRUNCH CLASSICS

Pomegranate Sangria

Fresh Squeezed Screwdriver

House Bloody Mary

Fresh Squeezed Greyhound

Mimosa

Harvey Wallbanger – Vodka, Galliano, fresh OJ

Don Francisco Coffee – Iced espresso cold brew, Licor 43

Bloody Local – Pepper & chile-infused local vodka, house bloody mix

JAK ORIGINALS

Chicken & Biscuits – Crispy fried chicken breast, buttermilk biscuit, green chile gravy, smashed breakfast potatoes. Add egg in any style.

Roasted Ribeye & Sage Hash – Crispy potato bird nest, charred ribeye, and potato hash, fried farm eggs, smoky chipotle hollandaise

JAK Con Todo Quesadilla – Pico de gallo, whole hog sausage, crispy potatoes, scrambled farm eggs, applewood smoked bacon, jack cheese

Barbacoa Eggs Benedict – Fried green tomatoes, slow-roasted barbacoa, poached farm egg, smoky chipotle hollandaise, smashed breakfast potatoes.

Dee Dee’s Short Stack – Mascarpone stuffed Challah french toast, TX whiskey & local honey glaze, berry compote, Mexican vanilla whipped cream.

Picture of an old time school bus

So let’s go.

Our first stop is to view how the playground looked two weeks ago (Time machine miracle), A construction barrier.

Another shot of two weeks ago.

The Mayor, Tom Kilgore (R), and Mayor Pro-Tem Louis Mastrangelo prepare to cut the opening ribbon.

A fine cut.

Another view from two weeks ago.

The same view today. A lot of happy children.

The techs are getting the movie screen ready to go for a movie later. The movie is Peter Rabbit.

The popcorn machine will be hopping for the movie.

Funny crowns for the kids.

Cookies and water for everyone.

There are hot dogs too.

Thanks for coming along. I hope you have a great week. Now sit back enjoy the food, drinks, and the music.

 

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Rope

A picture of a string with drops of water- the logo for SoCS

 

Some mornings the wait for the 10 oz cup of salvation can be agonizing. It may be a matter of not sleeping well or too late to hit the rack. Whatever the reason, standing like a monk with a begging bowl, bed hair shadow casting, blinking sand-filled eyes is not a good look.

Eventually, the steaming brew is brought full measure, and only the heat keeps it from being consumed like a beer bong on spring break. It arrives just as the end of the emotional rope is metaphorically reached. With shaking hands, the libation is raised to the lips, and a small sip is accompanied by an imaginary Young Frankenstein-like yell of “It’s alive.”

Brain finally engaged, it is time to turn to the business of the day. It is Saturday, after all, and by tradition, something mystifying will be found in the yard. Checking the Ring doorbell camera brings a satisfying all, clear in the scope of vision.

Then a sound like the TV has been left on reaches my ear. Looking into the backyard, a bright yellow cartoon canary is sitting on the fence. Opening the rear door, “I tot I saw a puddy tat,” message is clearly understood. Yes, it is true Tweety Bird is sitting on my fence. If so, Sylvester can’t be far away.

A tap on my shoulder sends me and my coffee into a ten-foot altitude record. Carefully positioning my cup captures most of the live-giving fluid as we hit the ground. “Excuthse me, sir, but I have a messssthage from Linda Hill.”

Having never met Sylvester before, the fact that he is six feet tall was totally unappreciated by me. He handed me a piece of wet paper, and he and Tweety disappeared.

The message reads: Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “rope.” Use it as a noun or a verb. Have fun!

If you would like to have fun, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link. /https://lindaghill.com/2022/03/25/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-march-26-2022/

Rope by John W.Howell © 2022

“So you did it again.”

“What?”

“Brought in a couple of cartoon characters and then dropped them.”

“No, I didn’t drop them.”

“What was the point?”

“They carried the prompt.”

“Why did they say so little?”

“Had to keep within SAG rules. More dialogue equals more money.”

“You pay them?”

“What do you think?”

“Yeah, that’s right. You write fiction.”

“Bingo.”

“What about the prompt?”

“Have you had enough?”

“Good point. I’m at the end of my rope.”

“And ready for a nice cold beer.”

“You could rope me in for that.”

“So now we have taken care of the prompt and can go.”

“No sweeter words were ever spoken.”

“I wouldn’t go that far.”

“Given the circumstances, if you were me, you would.”

“You’re buying.”

“Gladly. Let’s go.”

 

 

Friday John Ku – AKA – TGIF Fri Yay/Good News

Today’s story comes from the Good News Network. Here it is in its entirety.

Strangers are Leaving Strollers, Diapers, and Toys at the Border for Ukrainian Refugee Moms

Photo courtesy of GMA

An image recently shared around social media of empty strollers on a Polish rail border crossing has inspired a mountain of donations for Ukrainian refugees.

Now at Przemyśl Station, women, children, and infants fleeing the war are being greeted by mountains of clothes, stuffed animals, strollers, diapers, and more after they step off the train.

ABC reports that the number of spare carriers and strollers from Polish mothers have been particularly inspiring, with many donators leaving handwritten notes behind, with words of support.

“We see on the television and hear on the radio what happened, and we say ‘okay, we can help,’” one Polish mother and volunteer told ABC.

The effort has become more organized over the weeks, which CNN details has spread like wildfire, mostly by word of mouth. The Medyka border crossing from Ukraine involves taking a train to Przemyśl Station, which has become the center of the relief effort.

The rooms of the train station are now being transformed from waiting rooms into warehouses for food, diapers, and clothes.

Beyond the station, people from across Europe have been seen waiting in cars offering to drive incoming refugees to wherever they have relations or a place to stay.

here is the Good Morning America video with the story.

Today’s JohnKu talks about overshadowing evil actions with good works. I hope you have a super weekend.

Spirit by John W. Howell ©2022

One evil man thinks,

He can break human spirit . . .

His lesson comes hard.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Lucy in Between

“Where you going, little one?”

“I’m not sure. I’m a bit lost today.”

“What did Twiggy say?”

“It’s okay, Boss. We’ve got it handled.”

“Man, they have the ears of an elephant.”

“Yeah, so what were you saying about being lost?”

“Well, It’s just like we are in between things.”

“What do you mean ‘between things?’

“Well, take the garden, for example. All the flowers aren’t here yet.”

“Well, that’s because the weather isn’t stable.”

“Exactly. We are between warm and cold and sometimes in each.”

Yeah, but you can still soak up the sunshine. Look at how bright it is.”

“I see that, but the air is a little chilly.”

“I’ll give that to you. You have to make the best of it, though.”

“Okay. I’ll give the layout a chance. The sun does feel good.”

“You know, Little one. Sometimes life is about making accommodations.”

“If I were making the accommodations, there would be a pool here for sure.”

“By accommodations, I mean being flexible. Rolling with the punches.”

“Okay, I see what you mean. Call that cabana boy, and let’s get some kibble out here.”

“I guess that’s one kind of rolling.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #352 by Keith Channing

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 on 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.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next time.”

The photo

 

The Wait by John W. Howell © 2022

“So Eos. What do you suppose is the hold-up?”

“Beats me, Trevor. Normally it’s a matter of opening the can and plopping the stuff into the bowl.”

“I don’t think trying to do something special is the case.”

“No, that would be on a birthday. We are not having any birthdays.”

“Maybe the can opener is busted.”

“Please don’t say that. Knowing these two, if that were the case, we would all starve.”

“I can’t think of another reason.”

“We should offer to help.”

“Yeah, how’s that going to work? A couple of barks, and we’ll find ourselves outside.”

“I guess you’re right. Plus, I don’t know a thing about can openers.”

“Me either. Did you notice one thing?”

“What?”

“There is only one bowl.”

“Whoa. You’re right. Where’s the other one?”

“You and I have been sitting here the whole time. Did you see another bowl?”

“No. Now I’m really worried.”

“What does a missing bowl mean?”

“That we have to eat out of the same one.”

“Ew. I can’t do that.”

“That makes two of us.”

“So if one is missing, that means one of us doesn’t get fed.”

“Hey, wait a minute. That better not be me.”

“Oh yeah, what if it is you?”

“I’ll just have to relieve you of yours.”

“You and what army, punk?”

“Who you calling a punk, you overfed hound.”

“Calling me fat? You take that back.”

“Not in a hundred years.”

“Well, here we are, children. Sorry about the delay, but I wanted to make sure the bowls were given a nice shine today. So let’s all go outside and have a lovely dinner. Shall we?”

“Um, I guess there are two bowls.”

“I’m sorry for calling you overfed.”

“That’s okay. I have put on a few ounces.”

“So we are good?”

“As ever, my buddy. After you to the food bowls.”

“No, I insist. After you.”