Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy’s First Swim

May 24, 2018May 23, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 90 Comments

“Hey, Dad. What’s Mom doing?”

“She is setting up the dog pool.”

“Dog pool? What is a dog pool?

“Go see for yourself.”

“Lucy, Bailey.”

“What short stuff?”

“What is this thing anyway?”

“It’s a place to get cool.”

“Cool? How’s that?”

“You know, you ask a lot of questions, Twiggy. See I’m in the water.”

“So you have wet paws, Bailey. How fun is that?

“The water feels good. If you lay down it’s better.”

“Okay let me see a laydown.”

“Not so fast little one. You need to get in here too.”

“Then there won’t be any room.”

“Bailey, who you kidding. You never lay down in the pool.”

“Sush. I’m trying to get the id-kay to ay-lay own-day in the ool -pay”

“I’m not going to lay down if you don’t, Bailey.”

“Where did you learn pig latin?

“From my iblings-say. I’ll get in but standing up.”

“Hey, mom. Hold the pool. Twiggy’s doing the Curley Shuffle.”

“This feels pretty good, Lucy. Come on in.”

“You know short stuff. I just had a manni and I think my nails are still wet.

“Lucy doesn’t like the pool, Twiggy. Don’t let her fool you”

“That true, Lucy?”

“You get out of there now, Twiggy. You never know whats under the water.”

“But I can see the bottom.”

“That’s what Captain Ahab said.”

“Okay, I’ll give it to you, Bailey. The pool is good for drinking.”

“I can’t reach it. Lucy.”

“That’s okay, Little one. You can jump right back in.”

“Hey, Bailey. How about if you leave some for us.”

“I think you two are on your own. A couple of chickens I would say.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

May 23, 2018May 22, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 60 Comments

It is Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we were in a fortune-telling shop run by Micki Lee. Larry Dunfee, a police detective was there as well. It is there we learned from Micki that she believes Larry was brought to her shop by someone close to Larry. Then Larry dropped the bomb that his wife had died a year ago on that very day. We need to get back to see what else we can learn.

“Here is your black tea.”

“Thank you, Ms. Lee.”

“Call me Micki.”

“This tea hits the spot, Micki.”

“I’m glad. It should settle things a little.”

“What do you mean?”

“As I said I think you are in danger and you are well aware of it. I think your nerves are on edge. The tea should help.”

“I feel better already. You mentioned someone close guided me to your shop.”

“At least this is the feeling I get.”

“Be honest with me. Are you really a fortune-teller?”

“I do tell fortunes, yes.”

“I guess what I mean is can you predict the future?”

“No, Larry. I don’t know who can, but definitely, I cannot.”

“Then what is it you do?”

“I have a connection with the spirit world. I can talk to those who have passed to the other side.”

“Other side? You mean heaven?”

“Not exactly. There is a plane that could be called a dimension where spirits reside. I can communicate with them while they are there.”

“Can you talk to my wife?”

“I have, yes.”

“When?”

“While I was making the tea. She is very concerned about you.”

“Concerned how?”

“Your diet is atrocious. Her word, not mine. You go days at a time with little sleep. You are drinking too much and watching too much television.”

“It does sound like her.”

“She also thinks you ought to be careful with a case you are working on.”

“Case? I have hundreds.”

“She mentioned the name, Sandusky.”

“Oh my God. Where did you ever get that name? No one knows anything about that case.”

“Maybe it is time for us to have a full discussion with your wife.”

“What do you mean, ‘us?”’

“Me, you, and Gloria.”

“Wait a minute. You are sitting there telling me you, and I can talk to Gloria?”

“That is exactly what I’m saying, and there is no better time than now.”

“What will I say? I mean. I miss her so much. I’m not sure I can hold it together.”

“Trust me. You will be fine.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #175 by Keith Channing

May 22, 2018May 21, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 33 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.

“Alright riders. Keep this side of the white line and in single file.”

“Why do we need to stay here, Boss?”

“What is the matter, Schmidt? Did you miss the briefing?”

“No, sir. I was there.”

“Then you know the answer to the question. Don’t make me say it out loud so they can hear.”

“Who sir?”

“You are getting on my last nerve, Schmidt. The ectators spec ey.”

“All those people lining up to watch us?”

“Keep your voice down. They’ll hear you.”

“So what, Boss?”

“In another minute I’m going to reach back and give you a smack.”

“I still don’t get it.”

“Before we started on this mission I told you there would be some who would not want us to complete what we need to do.”

“Yeah, but look at them. They are cheering.”

“Are you listening? They only sound like they are cheering. They are shouting out their orders.”

“Orders.”

“I told you before we started. This would be no picnic for us.”

“What the hell. What do you mean, orders?”

“What part of flesh-eating didn’t you get when I covered this earlier.”

“I thought they would be monsters.”

“Trust me, Schmidt, they are. They only look like us to lure us over that white line.”

“And once over the line, we are lunch?”

“Now you’ve got it. All we have to do is get by these things, and we will be free to ride out of this place.”

“This can’t be true, boss. Look at them. There’s a cute one up ahead.”

“Don’t fall for it, Schmidt. Stay in line.”

“It’s getting harder, Boss.”

“Schmidt. Come back. Everyone else. Stay in line. Schmidt, come back. That’s an order.”

“Can’t hear you, Boss.”

Cover Reveal and Pre-Order for The Alternative by S. Burke

May 21, 2018May 20, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 37 Comments

I am so pleased to have Suzanne Burke join my blog today to announce the cover reveal and pre-order period for her new book, The Alternative. I was lucky enough to have done a beta read for this story collection and I can tell you it is a five-star read. So Suzanne the blog is yours.

Hello, and welcome to the Cover Reveal of my New Thriller Anthology

“The Alternative”

The Alternative

The Alternative
by S.Burke

Available to Pre-Order NOW.
Release Date: Monday June 18th 2018
Mystery> Thriller & Suspense > Anthology.

It is such an exciting time for an author when releasing a new book! I would be remiss in not sharing my heartfelt thanks to the marvelous people who gave of their time so readily to beta read my latest book. Their valuable insights helped me enormously when crafting “The Alternative”

At long last, I’m able to share the cover and blurb for “The Alternative” my latest Thriller Anthology. “The Alternative ” is due for release on June 18th.

It is NOW available for Pre-Order

I have many good friends sharing this cover across the blogosphere today and tomorrow, so you’re likely to see it pop up in various places. Thank you to everyone participating in my cover reveal splash, and to everyone dropping by to share in my excitement. Here’s my new baby . . .

With much gratitude to Eeva Lancaster at The Book Khaleesi for the cover creation.

Cover Created by Eeva Lancaster at The Book Khalessi

Presenting “The Alternative” A Thriller Anthology.

“The Alternative”

THE ALTERNATIVE COVER IN HIGH RESOLUTION BEST

BLURB:

The Alternative.

There are those that cling unreservedly to the lifeboat that believing in Karma hands them so willingly.

They work, they live, and they function in a world that allows them the option of unreservedly trusting that Karma has no deadline.

Until they are handed the spark that ignites them into becoming the instrument of Karma itself.

There are others who have had all they once held to be truths, everything they once stood for and took pride in, torn apart and ripped from them by the hand of a cruel fate.

Then, of course, there are those who believed in nothing and no one, to begin with …

These are their stories.

The stories of people both good and bad, who made the choice to exact “The Alternative.”

An excerpt from Chapter 1. Picasso.

February 1990.

The tall man stretched his arms and flexed his long artistic fingers. He stood back to gain a different perspective of his latest work of art. He’d spent a great deal of time sketching his outline and was well satisfied with the outcome. Perhaps this one would be the perfection he craved above all else.

His other efforts were upstairs in the gallery, and while they were far from his lofty imaginings, they each represented another step forward toward his ultimate goal. He knew this exhibition would prompt worldwide interest, that was a given. His reputation was on the line. That at least was something he valued.

He grunted and moved the newest piece into the workroom. The more difficult application of his talent needed to begin.

***

NEW YORK JULY 2015

Meredith keyed in her code, shouldered the door open and dropped her briefcase onto the polished boards of the entry. Working on autopilot, she flicked on the light and bent to collect the mail from the floor; throwing it onto the small bureau without bothering to check the sender. She shrugged off her coat and draped it over the arm of the sofa. Too damned weary to be bothered with any external interruptions tonight, she removed the home phone from its cradle and headed to the kitchen to fix enough coffee to sustain the long evening ahead, deliberately ignoring the well-stocked bar. She was well aware that she’d need every bit of concentration she could muster. She removed the Glock from her handbag, and out of habit, she placed it on the coffee table next to the perpetually full ashtray.

Her head was already pounding and she rubbed at her tense neck muscles until her fingers ached. Relief from the unresolved tension still hovered … just out of reach. She held her breath for a moment, stilling her impatience. If all went to plan, this thing would be finally ended. If justice existed at all, it would go well. All the years she’d worked to bring what was the only course left open to herself and the others to completion was coming. ‘Soon now’, was her daily mantra. But the darker visions still danced vividly in her mind’s eye and tormented her rare sleeping hours … it had been that way for almost twenty-five years.

The memory haunted her, dark and unforgivingly brutal. It replayed in clear and explicit detail every time she was forced to reflect on it … and its aftermath.

***

THE ALTERNATIVE IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER

“The Alternative” on AMAZON.COM

Suzanne Burke Amazon Author Page

On TWITTER.

On Facebook.

My Blog

Thank you so much for joining me here today. Your support is very much appreciated.

I would be delighted to hear your thoughts and comments below.

Top Ten Things Not to Do When You Left Your Money and ID at Home

May 21, 2018May 20, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 59 Comments

The inspiration for this list was going to dinner and forgetting to put my wallet in my pocket. Although it sounds impossible, I very seldom need to leave the house (Yes, Mr. Hughes?) so I have lost the natural tendency to check to see if I have everything with me. Lucky for me, none of the consequences materialized.

10 If you leave the house without money or ID, do not offer to pick up the dinner tab. If you do, at best your partner will have you covered. At worst, you and your guests will experience kitchen cleanliness first hand. (So you took your boss to dinner, Etu and he forgot his wallet as well. It is a shame about his new suit and that ketchup accident.)

9 If you leave the house without money or ID, do not offer to buy Tiny, the WWF champ, a drink when he has apparently had too much. If you do, at best Tiny will forget the offer. At worst, Tiny has been drowning his sorrows at being told no one likes him in his self-esteem seminar. (Notice how his eyes lit up when you offered to pay for his drink, Eustachy? The bartender is waiting for the money, and Tiny’s eyes are beginning to detect you may renege. Might be time to leave fast.)

8 If you leave the house without money or ID, do not exceed the speed limit. If you do, at best all the traffic patrol officers are in a meeting. At worst, trying to explain who you are and that you are licensed to drive may have to wait for the judge tomorrow. (You have to admit not being able to post bail has given you a brand new experience, Evans. I think that big guy over in the corner kind of likes you.)

7 If you leave the house without money or ID, do not unload your overstuffed grocery cart on the ten items or less conveyor belt. If you do, at best the store will be un-crowded. At worst, you will have sixteen construction workers behind you who only have thirty minutes for lunch. (As the clerk calls for the manager you can detect some discontent behind you, Everley. Might be a good idea to sprint for the door while you can still sprint.)

6 If you leave the house without money or ID, do not take a number at the DMV. If you do, at best you’ll come to your senses before long. At worst, you’ll wait the required number of hours until your number is called only to discover the missing items. (The only person who is happy with you now, Evin is the person next to be called after you are told to step aside.)

5 If you leave the house without money or ID, do not enter the toll road. If you do, at best a kindly motorist will pay your toll. At worst, the toll taker will exercise the right to have your car impounded. (No, the tow truck operator will not give you a ride home, Ethan. He’s going to take your car to the impound lot where if you are lucky no one will put another on top of yours.)

4 If you leave the house without money or ID, do not go through the drive-through at your favorite fast food restaurant. If you do, at best you can say you’re sorry and move on. At worst, the manager of the store has been given a reprimand for having high waste numbers and is now dialing the police. (Don’t be concerned with the honking patrons behind you, Eli. The manager is calling a SWAT team claiming you are holding up the store. Time for a Dukes of Hazard get away.)

3 If you leave the house without money or ID, do not get on that train to Yuma. If you do, at best the conductor may miss you. At worst, you might find yourself standing in the middle of the tracks in a place with no name. (Are those vultures circling overhead, Ezra?)

2 If you leave the house without money or ID, do not try to get through the TSA inspection point at the airport. If you do, at best you’ll be turned away. At worst, a picture of someone who looks like you just came across the international terrorist warning screen and the guy looking at you wants a promotion. (You might as well put those hands in the air, Elliot. That air marshall doesn’t look like he is kidding with the order.)

1 If you leave the house without money or ID, do not attempt to make a withdrawal from your bank. If you do, at best the clerk recognizes you. At worst, when asked for ID you provide some excuse that causes the clerk to hit the silent alarm. (How does the cold marble floor feel, Everett? I think I would follow the suggestion and don’t move.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Go Topless Event

May 20, 2018May 19, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 57 Comments

This weekend the beach was inundated with Jeep owners celebrating the topless season of Jeep ownership. Here is a description of the event from the All Things Jeep website.

“Go Topless Day® is a spring tradition when we celebrate the return of warm weather and sense of fun and adventure that comes along with owning a Jeep! Go Topless Day® was started by All Things Jeep’s founders in 2008 after a particularly brutal New England Winter. The first event was a small meet up of Jeepers at a local farm and ice cream stand, but the event has since grown to include thousands of participants all around the world!”

Here is a view of how Go Topless Day® went in my neighborhood.

There were a few unusual vehicles. This is a hunter’s Jeep

Here is a restored 78 with Beer Bumps and Whiskey Dents decals.

Here is another shot of this beauty.

Yes. You could eat off the engine.

Pay no attention to that golf cart in front of a line of Jeeps.

Another line-up. There are various clubs from across the state represented.

This shot gives you an idea of the flags and spirit.

This shows that behind the Jeeps folks have brought campers for an overnight experience.

I thought this was pretty unique. A tent on the back of a Jeep.

A nod to humor.

An unusual color for sure. It was a beautiful weekend for the event and everyone seemed to be having a great time.®®

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Empty/Hollow

May 19, 2018May 18, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 46 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This weeks prompt is “empty/hollow.” Linda Hill says we can use one or both. If you haven’t had enough pain in your life and want to join this crowd, just visit Linda’s blog and find out how. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2018/05/18/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-may-19-18/

“Why are you looking off into space with that empty stare.”

“I am thinking of the good times.”

“The good times? ”

“Yeah. You know the times when we had no responsibilities. The times when we stayed up late and raised hell.”

“What has gotten into you today? You perhaps don’t remember those early morning headaches. Being yelled at for arriving late at work. The prayers for forgiveness.”

“Leave it to you to turn fond memories into hollow history.”

“I’m just sayin’.”

“Yeah, I know. I need to get over it.”

“You do. After all, we have a lot to do today.”

“Today? What do we have to do today?”

“We are going to write our Senator, remember?”

“Yeah, remind me why we are doing that?”

“Sometimes your head is as empty as a hollow log. We are going to write the Senator and ask for a recommendation for parole.”

“For the tenth time.”

“Just takes once.”

Friday – JohnKu -AKA – TGIF and a Visit from Lisa Burton Talking about the Yak Guy Project.

May 18, 2018May 17, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 57 Comments

I am always thrilled to have a visit from Lisa Burton. As you may know, she is the robot spokesperson for Craig Boyack, the very talented author of a new release titled The Yak Guy Project, as well as, a host of other excellent books. My JohnKu is all about book launches.

Much like a newborn,

Love is the main foundation . . .

Followed by much work.

Thanks for the invitation today, John. It’s nice to get out of the writing cabin even for a little while. Port Aransas is looking better than the last time I visited, and Twiggy is an adorable addition to your family.

My mission is to talk about The Yak Guy Project, Craig’s newest book. He gets all whiny if I don’t talk about the book.

This is an alternate world kind of story about a young man from our world. At the beginning, he’s helpless and near death. He’s rescued by a talking yak, who leads him on a journey of self-discovery. What can I say, it’s one of Craig’s stories, so you just kind of have to go with it.

During the writing process, we act out scenes and dialog that Craig comes up with. If something doesn’t ring true, he adjusts it, and we try again. Sometimes, we go back two chapters or more to weave in plants and payoffs.

This leads to a lot of downtime. I brought a poster over today that involves a few of us hanging out while Craig makes adjustments to the story. I hope your fans enjoy it.

The outfits and setting in the poster give a kind of Asian vibe, because that’s what this world is like. The people in the story have been at war for hundreds of years, basically destroyed everything, and are now fighting with pointy things. Yak Guy isn’t going to find any cell phones or video games here.

Writing is kind of a fluid thing. You have a decent plot, a few decent characters, and there is a story. When you start writing, things have a way of changing. One situation, leads to a better situation. Something cool, creates the demand for a plant several chapters back to set it all up.

Most people never see this side of writing. I think it’s because the actual commitment of writing provides a level of detail the daydreaming phase never gets. All of the scenes need to link together too. The detail, plus the scenes, cause even better ideas to come along. Then your personal assistant gets to act it all out to see if it works.

After that, my spokesmodel job kicks in, and I get to wear some of the outfits I used during the writing phase in my posters.

I’ll provide all the details so your fans can pick up a copy of The Yak Guy Project.

Here is the blurb:

Imagine waking up in the desert with no idea what happened to you. You have clear memories of situations and places, but a complete loss in personal matters… like your own name. This situation is bad, and you have no idea how to get home.

When you’re rescued by a talking yak, the situation gets exponentially worse. You’ve obviously lost your mind. The immediate needs of a ride off the salt pan and searing heat, along with a drink of water, outweigh the concerns about your mental state.

This is exactly what happened to the Yak Guy. In fact he’s been placed in an alternate world and given a chance to start over in life.

Can this selfish, almost parasitic, young man learn to start over in a world where charity is hard to find? Life is brutal and short here, but he’s going to have to adapt or perish.

The Yak Guy project is loosely based around The Fool’s Journey from the Tarot. Those with experience in Tarot will spot people and situations from the Major Arcana.

Here is where to get the book on Amazon

Here is how to contact Craig

Blog My Novels Twitter Goodreads Facebook Pinterest

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy Hanging Out With Her Peeps

May 17, 2018May 17, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 72 Comments

“Hey, Twiggy. What are you doing?”

“Oh, Hi Dad. Just trying to find an interesting toy to play with.”

“It’s a beautiful day. Why aren’t you outside?”

“For one I don’t have prehensile paws. I need help with the door.”

“Out you go.”

“Lucy, Lucy, Lucy.”

“Yes, Twiggy. Good to see you out here.”

“What are we doing?”

“I was just going to have a laydown, but now that you’re here, go get your shovel.”

“Okay. I have it. Now what?”

“Bring it over here.”

“Be right there. Here I am. What do I do with it.”

“If it were me I would chew on it a while.”

“OMG, Mom would have a fit.”

“I know. Makes it all the sweeter.”

“Lucy.”

“What Bailey?”

“You’re going to get the little one in trouble.”

“Oh yeah? What if I protect her with my life?

“Mom can be pretty persuasive.”

“In any case, I will make a stand.”

“Lucy. You are my hero. You know that?”

“Aw Twiggy. I just think there are some fun things to do that aren’t human authorized.”

“Like what?”

“How do you like to bark?”

“Oh. I love that.”

“Case in point.”

“I have so much to learn. Thanks, Lucy. I see Dad heading this way.”

“I’m laying on the shovel. No one needs to be any the wiser.”

“Got it, Lucy. Bye Bailey.”

“Buy short stuff.”

“You ready to go inside. Twiggy.”

“Aw gee, Dad.”

“Tomorrow’s another day.”

“Where did this monster truck come from?”

“Mom thought you would enjoy it for a change.”

“I’ll thank her at dinner.”

“Good idea. By the way, where’s your shovel?”

“Shovel? What shovel?”

“Been chewing again, huh?”

“Can’t say I know what you are talking about, Dad.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

May 16, 2018May 15, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we started a new story. Larry Dunfee, a police detective, went into a fortune-telling establishment in China town. There he met the owner, a fascinating lady by the name of Micki Lee. (of course). Micki told Larry some things that she read in the newspaper and yet could read on his face he was troubled. Larry asked if he was wasting his time and she invited him to chat. Let’s go back and see what the chat is all about.

“So, what is the scam all about?”

“Do you think it’s a scam, Larry?”

“I suppose. You didn’t tell me one thing that wasn’t in the newspaper. By the way, you know my name. What’s yours.”

“Ah. Please forgive my miserable manners. Lee. My name is Micki Lee.”

“Micki? That’s unusual.”

“Would you prefer Mei-Xiu?”

“Oh, I get it. Americanized.”

“You are very quick, Larry.”

“I’ll overlook the sarcasm. What would you like to chat about?”

“Now that is interesting, Larry. I would think you have a whole boatload of things to chat about.”

“What do you mean?”

“Look at you. Your suit is rumpled, you haven’t had a shave for a few days, your hair looks like you combed it with a fork from the diner, and I’ll just bet you gargled with bourbon this morning.”

“How did you know about the fork and bourbon?”

“Stick to the subject, Mr. Dunfee. You are in deep yogurt and need a friend.”

“And I suppose you are just that friend? A bunco artist living in the back of a shop in Chinatown.”

“I think you have described the situation very well.”

“Oh, come on. This is not some detective show on TV. I’m not going to sit here and spill my guts to a perfect stranger. Besides most of the stuff bothering me is highly confidential.”

“I get all that, Larry but let me ask you a couple of questions.”

“Okay. Do you have any water?”

“Sure. You want some tea?”

“Ask the questions, and then I’ll let you know. Right now I’m thinking a bottle of water with the seal unbroken.”

“Suit yourself. Okay, question one. How far from here is your office?”

“Um. Maybe 20 blocks.”

“Second question. What brought you here?”

“Well, I ah—”

“You have no idea, do you?”

“Is that your third question?”

“Here’s the last question. How did I know you were thinking of quitting the department?”

“You said something about my face.”