Views of the Neighborhood

Texas Sandfest

Next week is SandFest which is a big event here in Port Aransas. The event’s mission is to raise money for local charities. Founded in 1997, Texas SandFest is a three-day event that attracts sand sculptors from around the globe. The event is the largest sand sculpting fest and competition in the nation and brings over 100,000 guests to the beaches of Port Aransas. The free event is organized into competitions for all experience levels to include both amateur and professional sculptors. Guests can participate or simply wander through the incredibly unique artistic displays.

I will be giving you a look at the festival next week but thought I would provide a behind the scene preview

This first photo shows the kind of heavy equipment needed to prepare the beach for the sculptures. They are forming piles which will be turned into works of art.

Texas SandFest

Here is a long view of what will become the central sculpture. It will depict the theme as well as honor the sponsors. The three poles act as supports.

Here is one of the artists hard at work. The person in blue is spraying water on the sand to keep it moist.

A close up of one of the flags that will be on the sculpture. This is the famous battle flag from the battle of  Battle of Gonzales during the Texas Revolution.

A little more detail showing the oil heritage of Texas

I left this shot in so that you can see the proximity of the sculpture to the Gulf Mexico.

It takes a lot of water to keep the sand from blowing away. Here is one of the hook-ups to service some artists.

Speaking of artists here is the person known as The Glue Man. His job is to spray a glue-like mixture on the sculpture. This binds the sand and acts a finish coat to keep the work in place.

Sine the festival attracts 100,000 people there needs to be quite a few food trucks to provide food and refreshments. The photo below will give you an idea of what they look like.

Here is a holding area for the food trucks. Notice the RVs which serve to housed the vendors for the week.

I hope you enjoyed the preview and I’m looking forward to showing you the finished result next week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Moo.”

SOCS

 

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this week’s prompt is “Moo.”  Yes, you saw that correctly. Linda Hill says that we can use the word “moo” or a word rhyming with “moo.” The interesting part is she also says there are BONUS points for using the word “moo” in the post. Guess which way I’m going? Bonus points baby. If you would like to join in go to Linda’s blog and check it out. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2017/04/14/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-apr-1517/

Moo by John W. Howell © 2017

“What are you going to order?”

“Moo goo gai pan.”

“What’s that?”

“It’s an Americanized version of a Cantonese dish. Sorta like stir fry.”

“I don’t see it on the menu.”

“It’s not there that’s why. I’ve been here before, and they make it special.”

“How do you spell it.?”

“M-o-o-g-o-o-g-u-y–p-a-n”

“Hold on. I just googled it, and it’s spelled with g-a-i instead of g-u-y.”

“So why did you ask me in the first place.”

“I just thought you would know.”

“Well excuse me for mistakes. At least I have heard of the dish before.”

“Yes, but you should know how to spell what you eat.”

“Okay. What are you going to order?”

“Almond chicken.”

“Of course you are.”

“What’s that supposed to mean.”

“I’m sure you can spell almond and chicken so you would order the most common thing on the menu.”

“I like almond chicken.”

“Of course you do.”

“Again. What do you mean.”

“You like white bread with no crust. What do you think I mean?”

“I’m plain.”

“Oh, gee you think?”

“Now you’ve hurt my feelings.”

“You’ll be fine, Jane.”

“Thank you Bratzilla.”

 

Friday John Ku – AKA TGIF

Friday once again. Always glad to see it roll around. No particular reason other than it gives me an opportunity to reflect on the week and see if I’ve done anything worthwhile. Hold on let me think a moment. *crickets*

I’m back. This week was pretty productive. I finished up all the edits within my power on Circumstances of Childhood and sent it off to the editor. That was a biggie this week. I also placed My GRL on an Amazon Marketing Services promotion. I will be interested to see how that goes. This is the first time I have done it seriously. The idea is for Amazon to match your book with searches done by their customers. I managed to come up with over 200 keywords so this effort should be more telling on the program. I’ll keep you posted. Today’s John Ku talks about trying new things. Hope you have a great weekend.

New by John W, Howell © 2017

Stay comfortable,

Or try something you’ve never done . . .

You may benefit.

Welcome to “MOMENTS” by @Harmony_Kent #RRBC

Moments

 

I am very happy to be part of a one day Book Blast designed to let the world know Harmony Kent’s book “MOMENTS” is available

Moments

Book Blurb:

Come.

Take a moment to delve into tales from the dark side, have fun with fantasy, dabble in dystopia, and court danger in a little science fiction.

These tales touch upon death, grieving, war, fresh starts, hope, courage, change, choices, and encouragement.

And then, after all that, you’ll find the poems.

From the lonely echoes of an empty house to the soaring heights of unexpected love and joy and learning to live as free as clouds and water.

For each of us, a moment encompasses a lifetime and, yet, passes in but the blink of an eye. In but a moment, everything can change. And in this very moment, life beckons in all its potentiality.

When the shadows fall, what will you do?

* * *

Harmony Kent

Author Bio and Links:

Indie Author Harmony Kent is an award-winning multi-genre author. Her publications include:

The Battle for Brisingamen (Fantasy Fiction) AIA approved
The Glade (Mystery/Thriller) AIA Approved/BRAG Medallion Honouree / New Apple Literary Awards Official Selection Honours 2015
Elemental Earth (YA Fantasy Fiction)
Polish Your Prose: Essential Editing Tips for Authors (Writing/Editing) New Apple Literary Awards Top Medallist Honours 2015
Finding Katie (Women’s Fiction)
Slices of Soul (Contemporary Poetry)
Interludes (Erotic Romance short stories)
Moments (Short Stories and Poetry)

As well as being an avid reader and writer, Harmony also offers editing, proofreading, manuscript appraisal, and beta reading services.  As well as reviewing and supporting her fellow indie authors, Harmony works hard to promote and protect high standards within the indie publishing arena.   She is always on the look out for talent and excellence, and will freely promote any authors or books who she feels have these attributes.

For all books available from me, check out my author pages at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Book Trailer videos: Harmony’s trailers.
My website: http://harmonykent.co.uk
Twitter: @harmony_kent https://twitter.com/harmony_kent
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyKentOnline
My 4Wills Author Page: https://4willspublishing.wordpress.com/our-authors/author-harmony-kent/
RWISA Author Page: https://ravewriters.wordpress.com/meet-the-authors/author-harmony-kent/

* * *
The tour sponsored by 4WillsPublishing.wordpress.com.

Rave Reviews Book Club Springtime Book & Blog Block Party #RRBC

RRBC Springtime Book and Block party

Hello and welcome to the Rave Reviews Springtime Book & Blog Bock Party coming to you from Port Aransas, Texas.

Here’s What I’m Giving Away Today:

A Ten Dollar Amazon Gift Card to one winner. All you have to do is comment to be entered to win. The results will be published in a few days. There will be one winner on this stop.

You may want to visit other posts during this Rave Reviews Book Club Spring Book & Block Party as there are plenty of gifts, books, and surprises. Here is the link for the lineup.

https://ravereviewsbynonniejules.wordpress.com/rrbc-2017-springtime-book-blog-block-party/

In case you don’t know I have three books published which constitute the John J. Cannon Trilogy.

The first of the series:

Click for Amazon

John J. Cannon successful San Francisco lawyer takes a well-deserved leave of absence from the firm and buys a boat he names My GRL. He is unaware that his newly purchased boat had already been targeted by a terrorist group. John’s first inkling of a problem is when he wakes up in the hospital where he learns he was found unconscious next to the dead body of the attractive young woman who sold him the boat in the first place. John now stands between the terrorists and the success of their mission. My GRL is priced at $.99 for the Kindle version.

Click for Amazon
Click for Amazon

 

The characters from My GRL continue to His Revenge (Book II)  and on to Our Justice.(Book III) In His Revenge, John seeks to atone the killing of Gerry Starnes, the woman who sold him My GRL. The action moves from Port Aransas to California and on to Ecuador. His enemy Matt Jacobs has a twisted idea that John would make an excellent spokesperson for the terrorist group. He figures out a way to get John to cooperate on a plan that is designed to embarrass the President and wreak havoc on the oil industry. John must pretend to go along hoping he can create a way to get revenge. The question remains who will get the revenge?

Our Justice is the final story in the trilogy. John has been keen on bringing Matt Jacobs to justice. Matt has been keen on getting John to help him in a plot to assassinate the President. He plans to use John’s hero status to get close to the President to do his duty work. Both Matt and John feel their cause is right and both want justice extracted in their favor. We must see who in fact achieves Justice, Matt, John or neither?

Thank you so much for the visit, and I hope you enjoy the rest of the Rave Reviews Springtime Book & Blog Block Party.

 

 

Wednesday Story Day – AKA Hump Day

Hump Day

 

It is Wednesday Story Time again. Last week we saw Lucas on his knees begging for another chance since it was clear the Widow Murphy was going to fire him for calling her old. I think most of us were a little surprised by his quick personality change. As my grandmother used to say, “A leopard does not change his spots unless there is wetness.” Let’s go and check up on Lucas and see how he is doing.
“Hey, Lucas.”
“Oh Hi sheriff.”
“Don’t let me bother you. Is the Widow ta home?”
“Yes, sir. She is right inside.”
“My goodness son you are pretty high on that ladder.”
“Aw, I’m used to it, sir. Heights don’t bother me.”
“Well, you mind that sun ya hear. With no shirt, you could get quite a burn.”
“Yes, sir. I have sunscreen on. I think I’m good.”
“You know best my boy. I’ll see you later.”
“Thanks, Sheriff. I’ll be here.”
“Ha ha ha. That’s pretty funny.”
“Mrs. Murphy you in the house?”
“Why yes, Seth come on in.”
“Thank you, ma’am. Sure is a hot one today.”
“it is sheriff.”
“That boy Lucas should have a shirt on. He’s going to get sunstroke.”
“I know, sheriff. I told him the same thing. What brings you by?”
“Nothin’ much ma’am. Just wanted to check on you. Seems you were gone for a while.”
“Oh pshaw, sheriff. Went to the store and beauty parlor is all.”
“I know ma’am, but I just got concerned since you’re usually at home what with that new boy working on your house and all.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well he’s from out-of-town, and you never know.”
‘“You run his ID?”
“Yup. Came back clean.”
“So there you are. There is nothing to worry about.”
“Well, except his parents were killed under some strange circumstances.”
“Strange circumstances?”
“Yes. Murdered in their sleep.”
“Oh, my.”

Tuesday Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #118 by Keith Channing

In Keith’s words. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr 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.”

Here s the photo.

Kreative Kue #118

Long Night by John W. Howell © 2014

“I don’t see anyone from this direction.”

“Yeah me neither.”

“Who was the guy that rented you this space?”

“He was the exhibit coordinator.  A vice president I think.”

“And he gave you a good deal?”

“He said it was his best price.”

“Told you it was a high traffic area right?”

“He said all the folks who go out for dinner pass this way.”

“Why haven’t we seen a soul?”

“Maybe they are still at dinner.”

“At midnight? I don’t think so.”

“I don’t understand it.”

“I do.”

“You do what?”

“Understand it.”

“Explain it to me then.”

“The guy took our money and rented us this worthless space.”

“How about those guys next door? They are in the same boat.”

“Hey, you guys. Sold anything tonight?”

“Haven’t even seen anyone. How about you?”

“Same here. Talk to you guys later. Good luck.”

“Man, that sucks.  guess we all have been had.”

“What are those guy selling?”

“I don’t know. If you are so curious, go over and ask.”

“And maybe miss a sale. No thank you.”

“I think it is a moot point. Our inventory looks pretty ragged.”

“Tell me again why we got into the ice sculpture business?”

“Don’t start on me.”

 

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Eye Doctor

Top Ten Things not to Do

 

The inspiration for this list was living through the replay of the eye doctor visit with our youngest. Since she is a millennial, we were very pleased that she went to the eye doctor and so we were passive listening to the blow by blow of the visit.

Ten Things Not to Do at the Eye Doctor

10 If you are at the eye doctor, do not guess at the letters on the chart. If you do, at best you’ll have to take the test again. At worst, the doctor will outfit you with coke bottle lenses that will render you sightless.  (Seemed like a good joke until the $400 bill was put in your hand huh, Ferd?)

9 If you are at the eye doctor, do not hesitate when asked which lens is better one or two? If you do, at best you’ll get a third choice which doesn’t work. At worst, you’ll be spending the afternoon going through the lens tests until you finally declare a preference. (Makes you wonder why you are so fussy huh, Buford?)

8 If you are at the eye doctor, do not turn down the grandfather sunglasses if your eyes have been dilated. If you do, at worst you may hurt yourself squinting. At worst, you’ll never see Tiny the WWF champ stepping off the curb.(Always wondered what it is like to run into a rhinoceros did you? Buster? Now he looks pretty mad.)

7 If you are at the eye doctor, do not have garlic bread for lunch. If you do, at best your exam may be from across the room. At worst, the doctor will have to call in a hazmat crew to remove you and your smell from the office. (Sure looked good on the menu huh, Pard?)

6 If you are at the eye doctor, do not complain about the magazines. If you do, at best the doctor will raise your bill to cover improvements. At worst, the magazines were a personal choice by the doctor and sold by the underprivileged children of the doctor’s church. (You wish for an atomic bomb blast right now right, Slick?)

5 If you are at the eye doctor, do not try to tell the doctor what you think you need as far as a prescription goes. If you do, at best the doctor will ignore you. At worst, the doctor will refer you to the eye doctor next door who happens to specialize in large animals. (You look pretty foolish in that  stall, Slug.)

4 If you are at the eye doctor, do not have a couple of drinks before. If you do, at best the doctor will be able to detect the fact. At worst, the doctor will be calling social services to set you up with a counselor for the seeing impaired. (Why all these people think you need help is beyond you isn’t it, Putz?)

3 If you are at the eye doctor, do not try on one hundred pairs of frames. If you do, at best you’ll realize it’s your face that is the problem. At worst, the office will close, and you’ll find yourself on the street with two monocles in your hand. (Try to figure out how to use those Tex. A hint. You have to arch your eyebrow.)

2 If you are at the eye doctor, do not try to stay within the budget of your insurance. If you do, at best you get a half a pair of glasses. At worst, you might be able to make it work if you give up on the nose and ear pieces. (You are right back to the monocle aren’t you, Pal)

1 If you are at the eye doctor, do not argue about having to go to stronger lenses. If you do, at best you will appear petty and self-absorbed. At worst, you will demonstrate your fear of getting older which your doctor will take as a cry for help. (I hope you are enjoying your group therapy sessions. Come on tell us how you really feel. That’s where it’s at isn’t it, Bunky?)

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Give/It is Saturday Stream of ConsciousGiven/Giving”

 

SOCS

Given the fact that it is Saturday Stream of Consciousness time again I must point out this week’s prompt which is “Give/Given/Giving. Linda Hill is offering extra points if we begin (notice the first word up there) and end the post with one of these words. Looks like I have one-half of the bonus, so we’ll see how the rest turns out. If you want to join in go to Linda’s post and read all about it. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Apr. 8/17

Give/Given/Giving by John W. Howell © 2017

“Give me that  shovel.”

“Why, I’m doing okay.”

“At this rate, we will be here all day.”

“Where to you have to be?”

“That’s not the point.”

“What’s the point then?”

“Time is money?”

“Well, that’s a given. How much money we talking about?”

“What do you mean?”

“All this money you are talking about. How much?”

“I don’t think that’s any of your business.”

“Okay, let me phrase it differently. If we hurry up and dig this hole what other money-making project do you have to get to?”

“I have to mow my lawn.”

“Oh my goodness. How much money then?”

“Well, the guy who mows charges thirty dollars and hour.”

“Okay then. While mowing your lawn, you earn thirty dollars and hour right?”

“Yeah, that is one way to look at it.”

“How long does it take?”

“To mow the lawn?”

“Yes.”

“Thirty minutes.”

“Fifteen bucks. So if we hurry you can earn the equivalent of fifteen bucks.”

“Yes, I guess so.”

“You know how much we are earning on this job?”

“No.”

“Fifty an hour. So if we don’t hurry, we can cover your fifteen bucks.”

“Keep the shovel. It’s the gift that keeps giving.”

 

 

‘

 

 

Wednesday Story Day – AKA Hump Day

 

Hump Day

It is Wednesday Story Time again, and last week we were witness to another moment where we had to wonder about Lucas’ motivation. We have all questioned whether or not he is what he seems to be. Well, now he seems pretty creepy. Let’s go back and see if he continues down this path.

“I said you are fired, and I mean it.”
“Who are you going to get to finish this house.”
“I can find anyone to do it.”
“At the miserable amount you are paying me?”
“You agreed to the wage. In fact, I asked you if you were okay with it.”
“I know I did. I needed the work is why.”
“and now you are out of work again.’
“Aw Mrs. Murphy. I really didn’t mean you were a lustful old cougar. I just said that as a joke.”
“Pretty bad joke calling a woman old.”
“If I had said ‘young cougar’ would you have laughed.”
“I would have thought it a bit more respectful.”
“I can see that. I’m so sorry. Please forgive me.”
“Well. If you promise to mind your manners, I could be persuaded to keep you on.”
“Believe me, Mrs. Murphy. You have been so kind I wouldn’t hurt your feelings for anything. I’ll be good I promise.”
“Well—”
“I promise.”
“Okay, Lucas. I’ll give you one more chance. “
“Thank you, thank you, Mrs. Murphy.”
“Would you like some more tea?”
“No, ma’am. I better get back to work. Time is money you know.”
“I know Lucas. Believe me, I know.”

“Well, you take care. I’ll be out on that ladder.”

“You be careful up there. Don’t want to see you get hurt.”

“Aw  thank you, I will.”

“And Lucas.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“You can take that shirt off. It’s hot out there.”

“Yes, ma’am. Thank you, ma’am.”