Wednesday Story Day – AKA Hump Day

Hump Day

It is Wednesday Story Day again. This week’s episode is sponsored by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene and her excellent blog Teagan’s Books which can be found at this link. https://teagansbooks.com This episode is being dedicated to Teagan since she guessed (pretty much) the ending of the story. So, last week, we left the gang getting ready to go out into the world. Alexis and Trudy told Ralph they weren’t going. Ben said the same but changed his mind after Ralph threatened a bullet to the kneecap. So back we must go. This may be the last time on this journey.
“All right then. Are we ready to go.”
“Mr. Worthe?”
“What Ben.”
“Do I really have to go out there?”
“Yes Ben. Also, I’m going to force Trudy to go as well.”
“You what? Listen to me Ralph Worthe. I’m not going anywhere with you.”
“You going to stay and face the music?”
“The music as you say is all on you.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I fixed it so you’ll take the fall, Ralph. That’s what.”
“Oh, do tell.”
“Not in front of these witnesses.”
“Oh come on Trudy. You know as well as I do we are all going to be dead before the day is over. In fact if it were up to Dan Anton we all would have been dead six weeks ago.”
“Who the hell is Dan Antion?”
“Forget him. Tell me now or I will put one through your left eye.”
“Daddy no.”
“Shut up Alexis. Tell me Trudy.”
“Okay. Yes I was the one who took the money offshore and sold explosives to the underworld. I made it look like you did it. You had no idea and in fact had you left well enough alone we would already be in the Cayman’s having a drink by the pool.”
“So you acted alone?”
“Yeah. Who would want a dumbass like you in on the take.”
“Mom?“
“Shut up, Alexis. This doesn’t concern you.”
“Yes, Alexis your mother has pretty much stepped in it. Lightfoot? You hear enough?’
“I sure have.”
“Ben. you got it all.”
“Yes sir I do. My phone recorded everything.”
“Alexis, you as well.”
“Yes, Daddy. Mom confessed to everything.”
“Okay then Lightfoot do your duty.”
“Yes, sir. Trudy Worthe, you are under arrest for money laundering and conspiracy to commit felony coercion and black mail as well as unlawful possession of explosives.”
“You can bite me Lightfoot. Why are you listening to Ralph, that worm Ben, and my daughter.”
“Alexis and Ben have been given immunity and will be happy to testify at your trial. Ralph has been an undercover agent for the last ten years. We have been trying to break this ring and now have you dead to rights.”
“You’ll never make it stick. After this bogus charge is thrown out I’ll sue you all for everything you have. You will owe me big time for this.”
“Trudy. I have always tried to be civil to you over the years in spite of your hateful personality. So I’m going to ask Agent Lightfoot to read you your rights and in the meantime offer you a big cup of shut the fu*k up. Commander we are coming out.”

Well, that is it for the Worthe’s Ben, Lightfoot, and Alexis. I hope you enjoyed the series. Don’t forget to visit Teagan at https://teagansbooks.com. The in next week for a new story

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #101 by Keith Channing

Here is what it is all about 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 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 is the photo.

Prompt

Just Thinking by John W. Howell © 2016

“So I was wondering. Would you like to go to the movie with me? I know it is forward of me to ask, but I have admired you from across the bazaar. I have been watching you for weeks now and think I almost know you. You don’t have to answer right now. I can come back. I was thinking we could go to the movie but grab a little dinner first. I know this beautiful place that has killer appetizers. It is a very public place, so you won’t have to feel uncomfortable. The movie is rated PG, so there will be no embarrassing, funny stuff on the screen. After the film, we could get some dessert. There is a lovely bistro that serves the best eclairs. Oh, maybe I misspoke. You may not like eclairs. That’s okay you can have anything you want. Their menu is quite extensive. Then after dessert, I will walk you home to make sure you arrive safely.  So what do you think? ”

“Excuse me. Are you talking to me?”

“Uh. Yes, I was.”

“I’m sorry I was deep in thought. Please excuse me.”

“Not a problem. I was rambling anyway.”

“Rambling about what?”

“Oh, nothing much. You know the weather and such.”

“Yes, it is quite lovely today.”

“It is. Well, I won’t keep you. Have a pleasant afternoon.”

“You as well.”

“Bye now.”

“Goodbye.”

 

 

Top Ten Things Not to Do If You Are a Writer

Writing

 

The inspiration for this list is thinking back on all the mistakes I made while trying to become a writer. Not that I made all of them, but maybe most. I hope you enjoy.

Top Ten Things Not to Do If You Are a Writer

10 If you are a writer, do not kill a child or a pet in your story. If you do, at best the fallout will blow over in two years or so. At worst, you will be cavorting with some strange characters in your new witness protection plan. (Don’t get cute with a pen name either. They will find you)

9  If you are a writer, do not show friends and family portions of your work in process. If you do, at best you’ll pick up some unwanted advice on plot direction. At worst, your family will now wonder how in the world you ever got the experience to write that sex scene. (Just how do you explain that one Buford?)

8 If you are a writer, do not think you can take a vacation. If you do, at best your characters will haunt your every moment until you get back to the manuscript. At worst, you’ll suddenly let your insecure inner self convince you to quit and become a McDonald’s employee. (At least the money will be better huh Clyde?)

7 If you are a writer, do not tell people at a cocktail party what you do. If you do, at best they’ll smile and walk away. At worst, you will have to listen to a potential best-selling synopsis that takes over an hour to relate by someone who is thinking of writing a book. (Like it is the easiest thing to do, Ferd)

6 If you are a writer, do not think that life ends when the manuscript is done. If you do, at best your story will take on epic proportions. At worst, you may get the heaviest book award from the New Apple Book  Awards group. (You didn’t know that was a category? It was established primarily for you. No, your manuscript cannot be returned since the flatbed truck is not available.)

5 If you are a writer, do not let your characters take control of the story. If you do, at best you’ll have a pack of amateurs running the show. At worst, your story will take on the appearance of a three-ring circus (You hadn’t intended to write about  entertainment did you, Ernest?)

4 If you are a writer, do not be in a hurry to get published. If you are, at best you may have a plot hole that no one will notice. At worst, the grammar, plot, character, and continuity issues might gain you all the one-star reviews you can handle. (Quite a shock huh?)

3 If you are a writer, do not think you need to do little else. If you do, at best those few books sold will be gravy. At worst, your status as the great undiscovered but brilliant novelist will remain undisturbed. (Best to write your own eulogy as well.)

2 If you are a writer, do not plan to have your retirement income be solely based on your royalties. If you do, at best you can cut expenses enough to survive. At worst, you are allergic to the kind of soup at the Salvation Army kitchen. (All your pals are really impressed that you are an author. Right Bunkie?)

1 If you are a writer, do not argue with your reviewers. If you do, at best the reviews will not improve. At worst, you may pick on the single reviewer who is classically trained in the martial arts and knows where you live. (Is that Tiny the WWF champ tearing your front door off the hinges?)

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

TGIF

This week has gone quickly. I suppose being busy has helped. I managed to get the My GRL manuscript off to the editor for a final go through. I also finalized the cover and will have it to show at a later date. I have been working on a newsletter that isn’t quite right so I think it might take more time. My attempts at humor fell pretty flat. I believe it is hard to write humor when you have no idea what the audience will find funny. Let me give you an example. I wanted to explain that the recipient had the option to cancel their subscription. So I said, “If you find this letter does not live up to the three reasons to keep it, feel free to  dump your subscription like it was last night’s Chorizo burrito.”

*crickets*

At least the political situation is beginning to work its way into some semblance of normalcy. Let’s hope so. Today’s JohnKu talks about situations where we fear the worst but the outcomes are never as bad as feared.

Events of Fear by John W. Howell © 2016

Fearing the worse case,

We build walls of protection. . .

Now feel too cautious.

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #100 by Keith Channing

It is hard to believe this edition of Kreative Kue is number 100. I have enjoyed each in which I have participated. If you want to do it here is Keith Channing to explain it all.

“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 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 is the photo.

Kreative Kue 100

Our House by John W. Howell © 2016

“Man alive, you are so in trouble.”

“I don’t need to hear that. I know it. What I need to hear is suggestions on how to fix this mess.”

“How on earth did this happen?”

“I’m not sure. I was feeding my rabbits and all of a sudden this thing drops out of the sky.”

“Out of the sky? This must be hundreds of tons. How could it just drop out of the sky?”

“I don’t know, but you can see the rabbit hutches are untouched. in fact when the thing hit they along with me just popped up onto this ledge.”

“You were lucky you weren’t killed.”

“Well, we need to figure out how to move this thing before my father gets home.”

“I don’t think that is possible. Your house is under there somewhere and even if you could move it there won’t be anything left.”

“So what can I tell my father.”

“How about the truth?”

“I’m not sure he would believe me.”

“Why not? You said you were feeding your rabbits and this thing fell out of the sky. That’s the truth right?”

“Not exactly.”

“Not exactly? What does that mean?”

“Well, I wasn’t feeding the rabbits. I was on my computer and having a chat with a guy whose name is Zeus.”

“Chat name of Zeus? What were you talking about?”

“Aw he was saying how great he is and I called his bluff.”

“Called his bluff? How?”

“I told him if he was so great and could do what he said why not show me something.”

“Like what?”

“Like putting the Brooklyn Bridge in my back yard.”

“Man, I’ve told you before that those chat rooms are dangerous.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do When the Time Changes

 

Daylight Savings time

I dislike the time change situation and have to guard against doing some unnatural things during the “getting used to” period. I hope this list is not too late.

Top Ten Things Not to Do When the Time Changes

10 When there is a time change, do not think “fall back ” will really give you an hour of extra sleep. If you do, at best you will be grumpy and disappointed. At worst, you will hold a grudge against the government until the “spring forward” time comes around. (Those threatening letters to the President have a way of coming back to haunt you. Don’t they felon?)

9 When there is a time change, do not expect your pets to understand the difference. If you do, at best you will have a lot of whining around the house. At worst, those routines that are now disrupted will cause some major animal errors. (What part of going outside by 7:00 did you miss trying to extend the visit by an hour?)

8 When there is a time change, do not expect your boss to understand your inability to adapt. If you do, at best your boss has the same problem. At worst, the meeting called for your performance appraisal was an hour ago. (I’ll bet you are happy with your raise this year Ferd. Is giving back some of last year’s a thing?)

7 When there is a time change, do not think the rest of the world needs to understand your disorganization. If you do, at best you will only miss a couple of scheduled events. At worst, your no-show profile will be noted, and the next event invitation will conveniently arrive one hour after the event is over. (There is only so much planners can take and after all it’s been three months since the change.)

6 When there is a time change, do not forget to reset your timers. If you do forget, at best there will be minor inconveniences until set. At worst, that oven setting will be an hour late, and you’ll be faced with raw chicken, and you invited your boss for dinner. (Lucky you there is a Kentucky Fried outlet just down the block. What you don’t know is your boss can’t eat fried food and just walked through the front door.)

5 When there is a time change, do not forget it gets dark earlier in the fall. If you do, at best you’ll need to remember a flashlight next time. At worst, that sinkhole which is very visible in the light somehow disappears in the dark. (That is until you manage to step in it and go up to your knees in freezing water huh Bunky?)

4 When there is a time change, do not take out the fact that you are out of sorts on others. If you do, at best you will be ignored. At worst, you will insult those whose job it is to serve you. (You can’t tell but Tiny the WWF champ is heading to your table to personally deliver the perfectly cooked meal you sent back. It seems that Tiny was on probation as a chef and your meal was the test case. Hope your health insurance is in effect Buster.)

3 When there is a time change, do not keep one clock on the previous time. If you do, at best you might pay attention to that clock and miss something. At worst, you will keep reminding yourself of your unfortunate lack of ability to adapt and continue to measure your life in terms of what is missing as opposed to what you have. (A deep philosophical point which can be summed up with the word “stubborn.” Right Clyde?)

2 When there is a time change, do not be concerned that you have to calculate scheduled times for your favorite shows. If you do, at best you will miss a few shows due to your own error. At worst, you will employ a tremendous amount of effort only to discover the shows are on at the same time as usual. (Makes one feel foolish doesn’t it Homer

1 When there is a time change, do not attempt to change your car clock yourself. If you do, at best you’ll realize quickly you need help. At worst , you’ll make some adjustment that has never been seen before and will require a replacement clock to fix. (The clock reset is a little car manufacturer humor built into each car. Maybe this is the only exception to point number three.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Sand Belt Races

Yes, the headline is correct. Here in Port Aransas, we have sand belt races every second and fourth Saturday. Yesterday was the second Saturday, so I had to go and check it out.  Here is where the races are held.

Sand belt Races

Obviously, this is a pirate bar. Here is a shot of the inside.

San Belt races

A fun place. The races are out back. The Gaff has been conducting these races since 2005. The next photo is a shot of the judge’s stand.

Sand Belt races

Here is the pit area where the sanders are being prepared.

Belt Sander Racers

Here is a cute entry.

Belt Sander races

Here is a shot of the raceway. (two lane) That guy with the beard, new tattoo and cigarette. is the finish judge.

Belt Sander Races

Here is the start of a race.

Belt Sander Races

And the finish line.

Belt Sander RacesI’ll bet you are wondering if anyone from town shows up for these races. Well, take a look.

Sand Belt Races

Of course, there is a bar and a band so why not?

 

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Mem”

SOCS

 

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This week’s prompt is “Mem.” If you would like to join in the fun, hop over to Linda Hill’s place and check it out. Here is the link https://lindaghill.com/2016/11/11/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-nov-1216/

“Mem” by John W. Howell © 2016

“Try to remember that kind of September—”

“What are you doing now?”

“I’m singing a song from a Broadway show.”

“Yeah? Which show?”

“Hmmm, I saw it on a meme once.”

“Will your memory help you now?”

“Is this a test of my memorization skills?”

“Maybe a memorial for your brain.”

“I didn’t get the memo. Why do you care?”

“I was hoping I could put you up for membership in Mensa.”

“That’s kind of funny. My membership would commemorate a new low in Mensa requirements.”

“At least you would be less unmemorable.”

“Nice guy. Who made you the memsahib?”

“The what?  Does memsahib have anything to do with dismembering?”

“No. It means foreign white woman. Makes you rememberable.”

“Yeah, since I’m not a woman. Here let me leave you a remembrance.”

“What are doing with that ball bat.”

“Trying not to strike out.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Veteran’s Day

 

As the ashes of the election are being swept up I think it is time to pause and remember those who make the democratic process possible no matter how far afield it goes.

The men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice should receive our thanks, today and a prayer for their lasting peace. Those still serving and those who have served deserve our gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy. Today’s JohnKu is in honor of all who have served.

Service by John W. Howell © 2016

We wake to free air,

We sleep soundly without fear. . .

Uniforms insure.

Thursday – A Little Personal – #RRBC Holiday Train “Book Trailer” Block Party

Holiday Book Trailer

Welcome, all. I am posting from Port Aransas, Texas and am very pleased you have stopped. I am participating in the Rave Reviews Book Club “Book Trailer” Block Party. Just for leaving a comment  on my trailer you qualify for one of two prizes.

First Prize –     A Ten Dollar Amazon gift card.

Second Prize – An e-book copy of Our Justice.

The prizes will be selected by random drawing within twenty-four hours. If you would like to visit the rest of the posts during this event, go HERE. There are winners at each stop so go and have fun.

Since this is a Book Trailer Block Party and if you want a prize, this post would not be complete without my Our Justice trailer. So here is the link

 

Click the cover to visit Amazon.

Our Justice

Thank you