Tuesday – Anything Possible

June 23, 2015June 22, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 15 Comments

Now that the sun has returned I thought I would give you a view of the sea facing side (West) of the Dune and point out the beautiful purple morning glories that grow there. My purpose is to give you an idea of how much dune there is.

As you can see, the dune is made of sand (duh) but is covered with a number of vines. These vines are a good thing since when the Gulf decides to move in during times of storm the vegetation keeps the sand somewhat in place.

Here is another view looking off toward the south. This is back behind the dune again but gives you an idea that the dune does provide a first line of defense in case of water surge. The bird sitting on the beach pole 41 is a Heron.

Notice also the lack of development on the land between the Gulf and where this photo was taken. (Those buildings are about a quarter-mile away and are set back from the Dune as well). This is on purpose and keeps the area free of houses and condos so that the defense against rising tide is kept intact. The last storm which caused a significant surge was Hurricane Ike in 2008. About twenty feet of dune was washed away in a manner of hours. The twenty feet have been replaced by the natural action of the Gulf and movement of the sand.

First Post Challenge

June 22, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 21 Comments

I have been nominated by Charles Yallowitz for a fun project. It is called First Post Challenge. The idea is to list your first post as a ping back to the original and then nominate five other bloggers to do the same.

So here is my first post on Fiction Favorites. I was pleased to see it got two likes. Probably by the only two who read the piece. It was about Kurt Vonnegut my hero.

Here are my five:

Top Ten Things Not to do In Preparation for a Tropical Storm Named Bill.

June 22, 2015June 21, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 35 Comments

This list is inspired by watching as the community prepares for the landfall of Tropical Storm Bill. Not all of the list were seen on this one storm but have been gathered from a number of sights on similar occasions.

Top Ten Things Not to do In Preparation for a Tropical Storm Named Bill.

10 If you are faced with a tropical storm, do not rush to the store to buy week’s worth of paper goods. If you do, at best you might have a slight overstock situation. At worst, your overstock situation could be interpreted as a hoarding disorder which will require family and friend intervention. (Also, if the storm is severe enough you’ll have a lot of soaked paper goods on hand)

9 If you are faced with a tropical storm, do not throw a tropical storm party. If you do, at best you will need to house all the party goers until the water recedes from your neighborhood. At worst, you and your guests might end up on your rooftop hoping the water gets no higher and rescue is imminent. (What you don’t know is the rescue crew has set low priority on large groups who obviously should know better and have been over served)

8 If you are faced with a tropical storm, do not count on beer as having enough liquid potential as to replace water in your precious reserves. If you do, at best you might have a hard time staying hydrated and coherent at the same time. At worst, you may find yourself trading family heirlooms for a cold bottle of water.

7 If you are faced with a tropical storm, do not count on items run by electricity for safety and comfort. If you do, at best you will only have a few hours of power outage. At worst, the power will be out for an unreasonable amount of time and so your battery driven items will go dark. (You may not miss Candy Crush but look out when it is time to call 911)

6 If you are faced with a tropical storm, do not ignore the weather warnings. If you do, at best you may find it inconvenient when you can’t get around since you are not prepared. At worst, the sound of your roof going airborne will come as quite a shock along with the need to swim for your life.

5 If you are faced with a tropical storm, do not drive through water that is over the road and you do not know how deep. If you do, at best you will make it across and only have wet feet. At worst, you and your car will give new meaning to the term “amphibian vehicle”. (Don’t forget cars do not float forever)

4 If you are faced with a tropical storm, do not continue to play outside when it is lightning. If you do, at best your game will be played with a sense of worry. At worst, you and your fellow players will collect enough jolts to qualify as an independent power source for the local utility.(They will thank you at the memorial service)

3 If you are faced with a tropical storm, do not think following instructions by city authorities is for sissies. If you do, at best, the storm will make landfall in someone else’s front yard. At worst, you will be battered a bruised and dependent on the care of those you thought so cowardly. (And they had to stay around to take care of you)

2 If you are faced with a tropical storm and are told to evacuate, do not try to leave with everything you ever owned. If you do, at best your possessions will take valuable space needed for water and food. At worst, you will not be able to keep all these things with you and will eventually have to off-load them at the side of the road. (If left in the house chances are they would be perfectly safe)

1 If you are faced with a tropical storm, do not lose your calm. If you do, at best your example will cause others to be concerned. At worst, once everything is normal again your behavior will be one of the stand-out events of the whole experience. (And no one will leave it alone)

Sunday – Fifty -Two Views of the Gulf

June 21, 2015June 20, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 15 Comments

This week’s photo shows a little of the debris that has washed up as a result of Tropical Storm Bill. It wasn’t too bad and what you see here are the charcoal remains of fires on the beach. The surf rolls in such a way as to unearth them even if buried in the sand. The yellow morning glories are in bloom, and the beach has been washed clean by the surf. (the nice side of a tropical storm)

You can see from last week’s photo the water has receded this week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Bone”

June 20, 2015June 19, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 17 Comments

SOC Badge by: Doobster at Mindful Digressions

Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This week’s prompt is “bone” and can be used any way the writer chooses. I have thought hard and decided not to use it as a verb. If you would like to join in go to Linda Hill’s site and read all the rules and join in. http://lindaghill.com/2015/06/19/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-june-2015/. Here is my interpretation of “bone.” I hope you like it.

“What was that noise? Did you hear it?”

“Uh, no I’m fast asleep.”

“If you are asleep how come you’re talking to me.”

“I’m talking in my sleep.”

“Jerry. Wake up and go see what is that noise I heard.”

“Um, what did it sound like?”

“Like something hitting the ceiling.”

“Uh oh.”

“What do you mean uh oh?”

“That means whatever made the noise is in the attic. I hate the attic. Too many cobwebs.”

“Jerry. Please go see. I’m scared.”

“Okay, you stay here. I’ll go and face the danger all alone.”

“Danger?”

“Just kidding. I wanted to get some sympathy since I need to leave this warm bed to go up into that creepy attic.”

“Turn on the light for heaven sakes.”

“And take this ball bat. Thanks for the suggestion Ruth.”

“Go on you big dummy.”

“Bye.”

“Be careful.”

“I can’t hear you I’m going up the attic stairs.”

“Okay, I’ll wait until you come back. I hope it is nothing.”

“I’m back.”

“Damn Jerry you scared me out of a year’s growth. What was it.”

“A bone.”

“A bone? What kind of bone?”

“My guess a leg bone.”

“A leg bone from what?”

“From the skeleton that is wandering around in the attic.”

“What? Are you kidding me?”

“I wish I was. He dropped a bone while stepping over a trunk.”

“I mean about a skeleton in the attic.”

“Oh, that. I wouldn’t worry.”

“Jerry, tell me you are kidding.”

“Everyone has a skeleton or two in the closet we just happen to have one in the attic. Let’s go to sleep Ruth.”

“I will never sleep again with that thing up there. Jerry, you got to get rid of it.”

“Tomorrow is soon enough. Besides he is feeling poorly now that his leg bone fell off. I don’t think it is a good idea to make him homeless right now.”

“Either it goes or I go.”

“Okay, I’ll tell him tomorrow.”

“Now.”

“Can he stay in the closet?”

“No.”

“Okay, I’m going. I’m not happy about this thing Ruth. I don’t know how he will get along without his bone.”

“Not your problem. Get that thing out of my house.”

“He’s cute.”

“Go.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA TGIF

June 19, 2015June 15, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 23 Comments

Friday is here, and we all are glad to welcome the day as the gateway to the weekend. It is a great day in the week since it is Saturday eve. Only a few more hours and the hard work for this week can be behind us. That is unless you are one of those souls who can’t let it go for a couple of days. We all know who you are. If you are not working, you think your foot will fall off or something. You are a group of obsessive overachievers I have to excuse myself from this group even though I never stop working.I’m a writer, and we know writers are allowed to obsess over the never-ending task of writing. For the rest of you there seems to be some logic in taking some time off. Go ahead, remove your shoes and lay that computer down. After all, none of you will be on your deathbed saying,”my only regret is I couldn’t work more.” Today is the first day of the rest of your life (where the hell did that come from?), and you need to get started on a new objective to smell roses. I realize you can’t just stop. The withdrawal might be harsh enough to kill you. Maybe you can take baby steps. Try this

1. Put down the notebook and phone.

2. Go outside. (Yes outside with all the heat and bugs)

3. Find a flower. (You’ll recognize it by the fact it is in the ground)

4. Lean over and inhale through your nose like you are in a Pilates class.

5. Run quickly back into the house and congratulate yourself on completing the first rose smelling exercise. Next time we will try to find a rose.

Today’s JohnKu (a term coined by Words4jp) is about smelling the roses.

Work is a blessing,

For the purpose fulfilling. . .

But not as a life.

Thursday – A Little Personal

June 18, 2015June 15, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 23 Comments

One of the side benefits of tropical storms besides the rain is the opportunity to see some fine rainbows. This picture was taken on Monday in the morning looking West. The real downpour had not begun, but this rainbow made an appearance along with some pretty wild-looking clouds.

I had to throw in a picture of my bike from last week’s ride. I was about four miles from home, and the sprocket mechanism gave way. In the photo, it looks like the chain came off but it was much worse. On top of having to walk the four miles back home I also had to spend hard-earned royalties on a new sprocket assembly. The picture below gives you the new view. All that shiny stuff is nickel plated to try to hold off rusting.

Wednesday Story Day – AKA Hump Day

June 17, 2015June 15, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 22 Comments

Wednesday story day time again. Last week we left Charlotte and Bob in the throes of starting over in their relationship. Bob declares he wants to be a writer and Charlotte confirms she was willing to teach. So I guess all will be good with these two. We should make sure by checking in to see where they go now that they are starting over.

“So I’m willing to start over. How about you Charlotte?”

“By starting over do you mean no more games like a manuscript that is in your head?”

“Yes, I promise. I have the manuscript written and need you to read and give me your opinion.”

“I’m almost afraid to ask the location of the manuscript.”

“I have a word doc. I will send it to you.”

“Okay, Bob. That sounds like a good idea. Once I get it why don’t you give me a couple of days to review it and then we can get back together.”

“Um. I was hoping you would start on it now.”

“I could do that if I had it.”

“Here I’m sending it to you now.”

“You’ll forgive me if I don’t rush right to my computer and start reading.”

“Why won’t you start reading?”

“I need some water and I’m afraid you have almost worn me out with the other stuff.”

“Okay, I just sent it.”

“Are you listening to me?”

“Yes. You said you needed a drink.”

“I think I need a rest from you.”

“Me? Why is that?”

“Bob. You may not realize this, but you are a lot of work.”

“You are right I don’t realize it.”

“So what about my need for a rest?”

“Okay you go lay down and I’ll be here when you rest up.”

“I need you to go away for a while Bob.”

“Go where?”

“To your home or where ever you go.”

“I don’t have a place to go.”

“What do you mean you don’t have a place?”

“My mom threw me out. All I have is my computer.”

“How long ago was this?”

“Maybe two months. I don’t know.”

“Where have you been staying?”

“Under the freeway with the other homeless people.”

“Oh, my gosh.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible

June 16, 2015June 15, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 20 Comments

I have been tagged by Colleen Chesebro, of Silver Threading to participate in the 777 Writing Challenge. She tagged me on June 8th and I have to apologise for the slight delay in my response. Colleen has a wonderful blog that entertains and motivates and worth a visit.

The rules of the 777 Writing Challenge are as follows:

‘The 777 challenge requires you go to Page 7 of your work-in-progress, scroll down to Line 7 and share the next 7 sentences in a blog post. Once you have done this, you can tag 7 other bloggers to do the same with their work-in-progress.

Here is my WIP titled Circumstances of Childhood and here are the seven lines from page seven.

“My dad was always too busy to take us where Greg’s dad had the time to go. Don’t get me wrong, I loved my dad, and he did what he could. His events were mostly movies and ballgames. They were fun but not like living an adventure on each outing.

The news of Greg’s dad’s passing was like an explosion. One minute Greg and I were happy kids without a worry in the world and then awareness blew in with some of the miserable facts of life. It was a curtain lifted in a play. Before the news, it was all music and excitement and then the reality of the story hit.”

My seven nominees are: Susan Nicholls , Phil McCollum, C.S.Boyack, Nicholas Rossis, K.K.Allen, Lorraine Adair, Katie Cross.

I look forward to what you have written.

Top Ten Things Not to do at a Wedding

June 15, 2015June 15, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 39 Comments

Since June is wedding month, I can’t let it pass without making some comments on what we should all avoid if we are in a wedding, invited to a wedding or are getting married. I hope you enjoy it.

Top Ten Things Not to do at a Wedding (no matter who you are)

10 If you are a wedding guest, do not be tempted to pick up and shake a few of the wedding presents to see if there are sets of china or appliances inside. If you do, at best those observing you will know you bought a cheap gift or none at all. At worst, you will be asked to step away from the gifts by a large man with the word SECURITY above his left pocket. He also happens to be the brother of one of the celebrants, and you are now busted since he assumes you are looking to pick out one to go.

9 If you are a parent of the celebrants, do not tell anyone how you feel about one not being good enough for your child. If you do, at best you will be confiding with someone who knows the other and has not met yours and can’t wait to report your indiscretion. At worst, you might be told to mind your own business and quite possibly followed by a knuckle sandwich (hold the mayo).

8 If you are a second in a wedding, do not think your job is to complain about every detail of the process and how much the whole thing cost you in air travel and clothes. If you do, at best people will assume the only reason you are in the wedding party is because you are family. (Weather you are or not) At worst, you will add a degree of declassee to the event and will not be forgotten when it comes time to remember the most idiotic attendees.

7 If you are the best person, do not think your toast needs to have several cringe moments including a detail description of the past fiancées. If you do, at best the wedding guests will think your humor is a little bizarre. At worst, it will be assumed you are drunk and out of control that should prompt an intervention placing you in the back of the Quiet Acres van on your way to rehab.

6 If you are the person of honor, do not think your toast has to include rapid hand fanning and a bunch of tears. If you do, at best the room will pray you faint quickly. At worst, you started without a tissue, and now the streaked mascara and runny nose have cleared out the tables within a ten-foot radius.

5 If you are officiating the wedding ceremony, do not think you can rely on the notes when it comes time to say the names of the celebrants. If you do, at best you will stumble on the names as you have lost your place in the written word and demonstrate how shallow you are. At worst, you will be using last week’s notes and continue to call the celebrants by names that you have an indication are not correct but hope were close to the real thing (hint they’re not)

4 If you are the caterer of a wedding, do not think you can cut corners the day of the event to increase the bottom line. If you do, at best you will be able to substitute for the few things you are short. At worst, you will have the luck to cater the wedding of a family of lawyers and will be fighting the lawsuit of breach of contract for the next ten years wishing all the time you had settled out of court.

3 If you are a musician at a wedding, do not think your usual twenty-minute set break each hour will be tolerated by the marriage guests. If you do, at best you will have several of them with you requesting songs no matter where you go. At worst, as the evening gets older, you will believe your life is in danger once the music stops. You will be reminded of a pack of wolves surrounding and closing in on the camper as the fire dies. You keep playing.

2 If you are the venue manager of a wedding, do not think there will be no problem asking everyone to leave at the appointed hour. If you do, at best your encounter with overserved wedding guests will be loud and unpleasant. At worst, you will be barricaded in your office praying the SWAT team arrives before the angry mob does what was subtly suggested when someone yelled “let’s string ’em up.”

1 If you are a server at a wedding, do not think you will get rich on the tips. If you do, at best you will realize that people attending a free event think everything’s free. At worst, the tips you counted on receiving you already spent and you will now need to work another job to offset the lost revenue. (Of course you could turn into a pickpocket. Naw that’s not right.)