Thursday – A Little Personal – #RRBC Recruitment

September 29, 2016September 28, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 34 Comments

Gwen's Lifetime award

As most of you know, I’m a member of Rave Reviews Book Club. Today is Recruitment Day, and the purpose of this post is to present some of the reasons you should join.

The theme of Recruitment Day is “MY RESPONSIBILITY AS A WRITER.” As I see it, my responsibility as a writer is to help as many of my fellow writers to be successful as possible. This is especially important in the Indie author environment. If we authors don’t help each other, there is no one who will volunteer to help. By help, I am referring to sharing information, supporting book launches, offering to read and critique new work, buying Indie author books, writing reviews, and just being there to provide support and advice. If this is my responsibility the question remains can I be effective if I am the only one with this sense of service? Well, the answer is no, but there is hope because I’m not alone. There are four hundred plus like-minded authors out there with the same goal of helping fellow artists. We believe that if we help others, we will get the help we need. I am talking about Rave Reviews Book Club.

Our goal is to Profile, Promote & Propel our members to unimaginable heights in everything we do, and we’re pretty sure we’re doing a really great job of that! How do we go about such hefty tasks? Well, let me name just a few of the awesome ways we lift and support our members:

3 Books of the Month (each month)

Monthly Book Discussions/Q&A Sessions

“SPOTLIGHT” Authors

#PUSHTUESDAY

Members of the Month

Members of the Week

Have You Met…? series

Pay It Forward Weeks

RAVE WAVES BlogTalk Radio Shows (9 monthly)

VIP Members

Book & Blog Block Parties

Book Trailer Block Parties

Writing Contests / Photo Contests

Book Purchases/Reads/REVIEWS!!!

RAVE SOUP FOR THE WRITER’S SOUL Anthology (inclusion of members only)

RAVE AWARDS

Daily Tweet Support (which keeps your name and your book out on the World Wide Web)

Honors, Cash Awards and so much more!

You should do yourself a favor and sign up. Go HERE to do that. Also, who are the members? Here is the roster

Uncle Sam

You should want you as a member of RRBC

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

September 28, 2016September 26, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 38 Comments

Funny college

Wednesday Story Day again. As you have probably guessed the story is beginning to start its conclusion dance. Last week Father Lightfoot showed up at the Worthe’s. Father Lightfoot was explaining to Ben that he thought Trudy was on to him. Just when he was going to tell Ben why he thought so, Trudy herself made an appearance. Lucky for all of us Alexis showed up with some ice tea. We haven’t seen Mr. Worthe for a while and have no idea what he is doing. We must go now and see if someone is going to do something to someone else.
“I asked you, Father, if there was anything I should know.”
“Mrs. Worthe. Believe me; there is nothing you should know.”
“What about the little secrets between you and Ben.”
“secrets? What secrets?”
“Oh come on, Father. You must take me for an idiot. You know very well you put Ben up to spying on our family.”
“Mrs. Worthe, he did not.”
“Shut up Ben. Let the good Father tell me that lie.”
“Ben’s right Mrs. Worthe. I did no such thing.”
“What if I told you I have a certain recording of you two hatching a plan. Also, I know you are a federal agent Lightfoot. If that is even your name.”
“Mrs. Worthe. You have an active imagination, but now you are letting it get the best of you.”
“You calling me a liar, Lightfoot.”
“No. I just think you are getting a little wound up in your conspiracy theories.”
“Don’t move Lightfoot.”
“Daddy, what are you doing with that gun?”
“Shush honey. This Lightfoot character is trying to put your mother and me in jail.”
“But daddy guns are dangerous. You are pointing it right at the Father.”
“He’s no father. He’s a federal agent.”
“I would suggest you put that gun away Worthe. Up to now, your crimes have been in the white-collar category. You are taking your offenses in a whole different direction.”
“Shoot him dear.”
“Daddy don’t. Mom. How could you suggest such a thing.”
“You should leave the room Alexis honey. You don’t need to be here.”
“Mrs. Worthe.”
“What Ben.”
“You aren’t going to give me fifty thousand are you?”
“Ben my boy. I don’t care what people say. You are brighter than you look.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do in a Fast Food Drive Through

September 26, 2016September 25, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 34 Comments

Drive through

10 If you are going to a drive through, do not ask the order taker for a dining recommendation. If you do, at best you’ll get a repeat of the “how can I help you?” At worst, the order person will tell you to eat somewhere else. (Didn’t expect that did you? You better take the advice.)

9 If you are going to a drive through, do not ask for a description of the special of the day. If you do, at best there is no special. At worst, the order person will believe you are mocking their position and will get even. (Do not lift that lid on the soft drink just throw it away.)

8 If you are going to a drive through, do not tell the order taker that this is a to go order. At best, you won’t hear the comment since the mic is turned off. At worst, you’ll have to sit and listen to the laughter of the entire order crew and patrons as the order taker broadcasts “THIS IS A TO GO ORDER” over the loudspeaker. (What were you thinking? DRIVE THROUGH. Duh?)

7 If you are going to a drive through, do not ask for special handling of your sandwich. If you do, At best you’ll be asked to pull over. At worst, you will sit in the penalty box in the hot sun until the staff finally remembers you are there. (Your special handling request is forgotten as well)

6 If you are going to a drive through, do not joke about a wine pairing. If you do, at best you’ll confuse the order taker and will take more time. At worst, the order taker will seek out a manager to find the answer. (The manager’s name is Tiny and this is the fourteenth hour Tiny has been at work. Tiny was also the Class A high school wrestling champ in the state and had to relinquish the title because of anger issues. Bon appetite.)

5 If you are going to a drive through, do not change your order. If you do, at best you will get both. At worst, you will get the order of the car behind you which bears no resemblance to what you wanted. (You have to wonder how a burger that big can fit into a mouth.)

4 If you are going to a drive through, don’t forget to check your order. If you do forget, at best the only thing missing is a straw. At worst, that deep-fried chicken sandwich that you didn’t order triggers your cholesterol and blood pressure to new high levels. (“So how did we come to eat that thing?” is the question asked by your doctor. It is very sad that you try to blame the drive through.)

3 If you are going to a drive through, do not try to stock your condiment supply with a request for extra. If you do, at best you’ll get one more catsup, and that’s all. At worst, you will get too many catsups and not enough mustard and mayonnaise. (The charge for all of this will be on your credit card bill, and it will be way too much.)

2 If you are going to a drive through, do not answer “yes” to any questions regarding quantity. If you do, at best you will spend more and eat more. At worst, your three-week exercise program that had you feeling good will now need a reset. (How can something that only weighs twelve ounces put three pounds on your frame?)

1 If you are going to a drive through don’t wait until you get to the order spot to decide you are a vegan. If you do, at best there will be nothing on the menu for you. At worst, the cars behind you will raise an uproar as you search for an acceptable item. (That police officer heading toward you is responding to the manager who finally gave up asking you for your order.)

Sunday – Views of the Neighborhood

September 25, 2016September 15, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

This week my producer came up with the idea of providing some pictures of a few of the hotels in Port Aransas. One of the most famous is the Tarpon Inn. It was here that President Roosevelt stayed in 1937 and signed a Tarpon scale. Here is the sign in front of the hotel.

If you look closely (well you can’t see it) there is a replica of the Tarpons scale signed by FDR. Here is a closeup that will help.

The next sign is all kinds of fun. Each of the cottages is named in keeping with the horse theme.

Notice only good dogs are okay to stay. This next sign is for an aviation themed motel. The sign says it all.

The building is attractive as well.

I have always liked this sign. The cottages have fish names which make it tough to enter the wrong room. “Oh excuse me this is the Dorado room. I was looking for the Perch room.”

I particularly like the fact they have a jungle gym at this place. The next is also a themed resort. If you can’t dance, you can’t stay here. (Just kidding)

This next one is a big puzzle. Here is a look at the outside.

Here is what goes on inside.

Here is what it looks like in there. What you have is tents, community showers and roughing it. Sounds like fun. (for a day)

This last one is included not for its beauty but for the idea represented by the name. (This one is under construction.)

You have to admire the name The Place. (Makes one wonder about staying anywhere else.)Hope you liked the tour.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Bus”

September 24, 2016September 23, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 31 Comments

It is Saturday again and time for a little Stream of Consciousness. This week’s prompt is “bus.” Yeah that’s it, “bus.” Linda Hill says we can use it anyway we want and even include it in a word or words. Well, this prompt make me hot. I can hardly wait to get going. If you want to join in go to Linda’s site and read the words of wisdom there. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2016/09/23/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-2416/

“I read a post by some erudite author that unattributed dialog is not the thing use to start a story.”

“Oh yeah. What does he know.”

“Hey he’s a big deal. Okay, I never heard of him but he sure was full of himself.”

“So why are you starting this story with unattributed dialog?”

“I guess you can call me a rebel. Anyway, how I start a story is none of his business.”

“You are pathetic you know that?”

“What do you mean?”

“The way you worked business into the conversation. Bus is in business.”

“Honest mistake. One other thing. There was a group of literary snobs who visited some of these posts and thought the unattributed dialog was not proper.”

“What do you mean not proper.”

“Well you know there was the absence of “He said,” and other attributions.”

“So? Do they know how hard it is to have a story make sense without attributions? Did they understand you do it on purpose since people never say, “He said,”in conversations?”

“Naw. They just said I was not eligible to join their organization.”

“Sounds like you were bushwhacked. Do you care?”

“I’m too busy to care.Well, maybe a little.”

“Well I’m sure the busiest is the best.”

“I think we are through with this subject. how about a beer?”

“How about a bushel? See what I did there?”

“Let’s go Ace.”

Friday John Ku – AKA- TGIF

September 23, 2016September 23, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 58 Comments

TGIF

For those of you who have been keeping track, this is Friday. it should be the beginning of the last work day of the week for those in the Americas. The rest of the world has already completed the day and may even be looking at the close of Saturday (Aw).

I hope your week was good. I know mine was busy, and I think it will be good to relax and enjoy the weekend. We are expecting a little rain so it might be a good time to grab a book and rest the brain.

Today’s JohnKu talks about the need for rest.

Racing all the time,

Can jeopardize your good heath. . .

Take a hint and rest.

Happy weekend all. Cheers *clinking of the margarita glass* (Only metaphorically speaking, of course.)

A Big Thank You to Teri Polen For Helping Launch #Newbook Our Justice

September 22, 2016 ~ John W. Howell

Teri Polen

Thank you, Teri Polen, for posting an announcement on the launch of Our Justice. You can visit her post HERE.

Thursday – A little Personal – Our Justice Launch Wrap-up

September 22, 2016September 21, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 19 Comments

Our Justice

It has been quite a ride. The Kindle version of Our Justice has been on preorder and will be shipping tomorrow. The paper edition is available now. Both can be found on Amazon right HERE.

Thank you, everyone, who pre-ordered copy of Our Justice.

I want to thank all the wonderful bloggers who gave up some of their precious space to help promote the launch. Here they are and a visit to their blog will be a rewarding experience.

Jo Robinson Teri Polin A.G Moye Sally G. Cronin Gwen Plano

Charles Yallowitz Keith Channing Janice Spina

Cathrine Townsend-Lyon Teagan Riordain Geneviene

Kim Cox Chris Graham John Fioravanti Jan Hawke

Keven Brennan Hugh Roberts Don Massenzio Marie Ann Bailey

Craig Boyack Mae Clair Olivia Stocum Susan Nicholls

Jill Weatherholt Jan Sikes Olga Nunez Miret

A picture montage

Sally Cronin Photo

Kim Cox

You are all wonderful

Top Ten Things Not to Do at Full Moon Campfire on the Beach

September 19, 2016September 18, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 46 Comments

Moon Rise

The inspiration for this post has been my attendance at some full moon campfires on the beach. Now I know everyone who will read this will not have the opportunity to attend some full moon campfires, but you never know and should be prepared. A full moon bonfire event usually has a collection of friends, a little food, and some adult beverages. The idea is to celebrate the moonrise with companionship and good cheer.

Top Ten Things Not to Do at a Full Moon Campfire on the Beach.

10 If you are at a full moon campfire, do not over rotate the demonstration of your fire building skills. If you do, at best your neighbors and friends will wonder if you have some problem with fire. At worst, the conflagration generated will take a company of firefighters and several thousands of dollars to get under control and damage repaired. (Boy, that gasoline sure went up quick didn’t it baldy?)

9 If you are at a full moon campfire, do not think volume alone will get everyone to like your selection of music. If you do, at best no one will hear you when you ask how they like the music. At worst, the accidental slip of your boombox into the tub of ice will generate a standing ovation. (You are just now beginning to suspect the fall wasn’t so accidental)

8 If you are at a full moon campfire, do not take the opportunity to talk non-stop about your favorite subject. If you do, at best you will end up talking to yourself. At worst, the generous folks who have put up with you for the last four full moon campfires will finally crack and will offer you a big cup of ” shut the f**k up.” (Wow! Where did that come from huh pilgrim?)

7 If you are at a full moon campfire, do not bring some exotic dish that only a food crank could love. If you do at best, you will have plenty of leftovers for tomorrow. At worst, someone will take a taste of your dish and ask loudly “who brought the dog food?” (So everyone didn’t care for charbroiled, sustainable, line-caught, tofu but did they have to be insulting?)

6 If you are at a full moon campfire, do not think you need to consume your weight in an adult beverage. If you do at best, you will fall asleep before anything embarrassing happens. At worst, you will be living down the suggestion that everyone go skinny dipping in the Gulf. (The funny part is you were the only one and that moon was the brightest.)

5 If you are at a full moon campfire, do not think you need to instruct everyone on the fine art of marshmallow roasting. If you do, at best most will ignore your technique and burn them anyway. At worst, the youngsters will now see you as that old fart who doesn’t know how to mind their own business. ( Halloween will be the time for the payback)

4 If you are at a full moon campfire, do not misplace your shoes. If you do, at best you will give the impression that you have lost your faculties as well. At worst, while searching in the dark, you will have stepped any number of beasties not to mention that corkscrew that old man Jenkins dropped last month.(Makes you wonder why you didn’t just keep them on doesn’t it?)

3 If you are at a full moon campfire, do not scream at every passing vehicle to slow down. (This is in Texas only where driving on the beach is allowed) If you do, at best you will lose your voice in a half hour. At worst, that hulk of a guy getting out of the truck happens to be named Tiny and just broke up with his girlfriend who used to tell him to slow down all the time. ( I guess you know how to pick ’em huh?)

2 If you are at a full moon campfire, do not think you need that twenty million candlepower military surplus flashlight. If you do, at best those you illuminate won’t pass out. At worst, that helicopter above you from homeland security is thinking the source of the light is a danger and is requesting permission to let go with the equivalent of a thousand gallon water balloon. (Good thing you wore your bathing suit Bunky.)

1 If you are at a full moon campfire, do not believe all the attendees will benefit from a full lecture on the type and history of this full moon. If you do, most will ignore what you have to say and will keep offering you a drink. At best, you will be looking at the moon and discussing the fine points without noticing the group has moved fire and all a quarter of a mile away. (You thought they were are stunned into silence by your brilliance didn’t you Professor? (Sure is lonely at the top.)

Views of the Neighborhood

September 18, 2016September 17, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 59 Comments

This week I thought I would give you a quick tour of the Port Aransas museum. The first photo is an external shot of the building which is a fine example of a kit house sold in the early 1900’s. A person would buy the home complete in a kit and then put it together on their land.

PA Museum

The creation of the Port Aransas Museum was accomplished through a joint effort between the Port Aransas Preservation and Historical Association [PAPHA] and the City of Port Aransas.

PAPHA was created November 15, 2002. One of its goals was to create the first historical museum in Port Aransas to preserve and showcase the town’s history. Another was to inventory historic Port Aransas sites.

The site survey was accomplished by obtaining a matching grant in 2006. PAPHA also received the Visionaries in Preservation grant from the Texas Historical Commission, completing the process needed to advance as a preservation organization.

Owners of an early 1900s kit house offered to sell it to PAPHA where it stood. That was not an option due to the cost of land in Port Aransas and the lack of funds in the PAPHA treasury. Another option was for the owners to give the house to PAPHA to move to another location, which is what they did.

In 2007, Preservation Texas, a private, non-profit statewide preservation group, named the house one of the state’s top 12 most endangered structures.

Papers were signed transferring ownership to PAPHA on Feb. 8, 2007. The problem then was where and how to move it, and how to pay for all aspects, including remodeling into a museum after the move.

PAPHA applied for grants, held fundraisers and met with the City of Port Aransas, utility companies and movers. Enough money was raised to move the house, but not for land.

The City Council and City Manger agreed to find a place on city property for a museum, finally settling on part of the Community Center property site.

In April 2008 the house was moved to it’s current location. It was renovated and opened as a museum by December of the same year.

Here is a small sample of what is inside.