Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Language

August 12, 2025August 11, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 65 Comments

Today, I randomly opened Eternal Road – The last stop to page 233. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word closest to my finger is “language.” That is our prompt

“That is not the kind of language we use, young man.”

“Sorry, Mum, but I’m very frustrated.”

“Over what?”

“Well, you know how Pa sent me out to hunt for dinner.”

“He said it was about time you learned to contribute to the family.”

“Yeah, I got that.”

“So, what is so frustrating?”

“Pa makes everything look so easy.”

“And?”

“I found out that hunting is more complex than it looks.”

“I think anyone could have told you that.”

“Well, long story short, I didn’t get any dinner.”

“Hmm. That does present a problem for you.”

“I know. Pa is going to be pretty mad.”

“Don’t you think your father knows how hard hunting is?”

“I suppose. He’s been doing it a long time.”

“And don’t you think he would have made sure we had dinner, knowing it was your first time?”

“You mean?”

“I think the only problem is not your father getting mad, but how you see yourself as a hunter.”

“A failure.”

“See, that’s not the way you should look at it.”

“Well, that’s how I feel.”

“You have to know that every time your father went hunting, he didn’t always bring back dinner.”

“Really?”

“Really. But what he did was to continue to go out each day, no matter what.”

“So never give up?”

“That’s it. Tell me, did you see any game?”

“Sure.”

“So what happened?”

“Every time I stalked the game, they ran away.”

“Sounds like a scent problem.”

“What’s that?”

“Did you pay attention to the wind?”

“No. What’s wind got to do with it?”

“Springboks have a great sense of smell. If the wind is behind you, your scent blows toward them.”

“If the wind is in my face, then their scent blows towards me and mine is not detectable.”

“That a boy. Take this information and make us proud.”

“Make the pride proud. You got it, ma.”

I will be taking a blogging break from Friday of this week to Thursday of next. Totally off the grid.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Toe/Tow

August 9, 2025August 8, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 74 Comments

Waiting for the perfect cup of coffee can try one’s patience. The red light blinking behind the eyes is a low caffeine warning, and it intensifies with each passing moment. The red warning is joined by the beating of the anvil with a sledgehammer feeling in the brain. The body is giving its last “Warning Will Robinson” before a complete fetal position meltdown. But wait. The soothing syrup has begun its movement from inside the guts of the machine to my cup. Salvation is at hand.

Just as the cup meets the lips, the Westminster chime that is the doorbell cuts through the air like a bullet train to Avignon. The Baskerville Hounds take the cue to join the mayhem and escalate the decibels to eardrum-splitting altitude. A quick toss of a bag of kibble and slamming of the soundproof room door quickly brings back some decorum. l

Checking the security system monitor, I see someone who looks like Daffy Duck standing with an envelope in one hand. Not wanting to go through the world discussion about leaving the message, the better course of action is to simply shut down the security system and open the door.

Heaving a sigh, the security system shutdown process has begun. The SWAT team needs to be put on standby. A quick text to the leader confirms that status. Also, the flight of A-10 Warthogs must be diverted. Another call to the commander puts that worry to rest. The SEAL team needs to be called off, and a call to the leader makes that possible. A call to the tow truck driver stops the deployment of an M1A1 Abrams Tank. The control panel simplifies the shutdown process of the security system. The boiling oil vats are put on standby, the turret mortars disengaged, the Trebuchet on safety, the concertina wire rolled, the Claymore mines reset, the tower Gatling guns on safety, the moat net dropped, the alligators fed, the IEDs and shoulder-held rockets put away. The Proton torpedoes switched off. The locks on the door are thrown. And the door opened.

The duck hands me the envelope. I thank him, and he stands with his hand out. Looking at his hand, he says, “A tip mate.” Thinking hard and not wanting to toe the line, my response is finally, “Be the wind not the flag.” He looks cross, so slamming the front door seems to be the right thing to do.

Opening the envelope, there is a message from Linda Hill. It reads: Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “toe/tow.” Use one, use both, use them any way you’d like. Bonus points for using both. Have fun!

To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. Here is the link:

https://lindaghill.com/2025/08/08/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-aug-9-2025/

“I’m telling you all those non-tips are going to come back to haunt you.”

“Like how?”

“Maybe no one will deliver anymore.”

“Nah. They are paid to do that.”

“How about sailing the envelope up onto the roof?”

“And risk a one-star Yelp review?”

“Yeah, okay. Be a scrooge if you want.”

“I’m surprised he hasn’t shown up yet.”

“You and he could be best buddies.”

“Oh, come on. Who is going to tip someone who looks like Daffy Duck?”

“Just the whole world is all.”

“Please. There wouldn’t be enough to fit on my big toe.”

“Weak.”

“What do you mean?”

“If you were trying to squeeze in the word ‘toe’ for the prompt, that was very weak.”

“Can you do better?”

“Yeah. You are cheap from head to toe.”

“Who always buys the VooDoo Rangers?”

“Well, that part is an exception, which now that you mention it, would be nice. To have one.”

“Uber?”

“Over there.”

“Looks like a 1961 Thunderbird.”

“I think so.”

“At least we won’t need a tow.”

“There is one thing, though.”

“Of course, there is.”

“We have to stop at the auto show in the farmer’s market.”

“How long?”

“Two hours.”

“I’ll be right back.”

“Where are you going?”

“To get a cooler full of VooDoo Rangers. Maybe there’ll be hummus and crackers at the farmer’s market.”

“Now you are talking.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Lift

August 5, 2025August 5, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 57 Comments

Today I opened The Last Drive to page 191 and with eyes closed pointed to the page. My finger fell closest to two words; eyebrows and lift. Making a judgement call I felt “lift ” was the closest. Lift is the prompt.

“You get a face lift or something?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Your eyes seem so much bigger and younger looking.”

“No, I didn’t get a lift. This is my natural look.”

“Oh come on. You can tell me. You had an eye job right?”

“For the last time. No lifts.”

“Okay, okay no use getting upset.”

“How would you feel if I asked you about your so-called lifts?”

“I would tel you the truth.”

“Making an implication that I’m not?”

“No, not at all. I’m just saying if I had a lift I would tell you.”

“Did you ever think that it is nighttime.”

“What’s that got to do with it.”

“In the dark our pupils get larger to let in more of what little light there is.”

“I didn’t know that.”

“Yes and given we are nocturnal these so-called larger eyes are an accommodation to the dark.”

“Go figure. Nature is amazing.”

“So are you satisfied there have been no lifts?”

“Yes. You are a very wise and good teacher.”

“Thank you. It comes with the territory.”

“Territory? What territory?”

“We are owl’s you nincompoop. We are naturally wise.”

“Oh. Hey look. Is that a mouse?”

“Now you are wise. Changing the subject is a good thing.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Blush

August 2, 2025August 1, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 76 Comments

Looking forward to a nice cappuccino, the heat of a blush races across my face. There is no milk. Checked the fridge, wine cooler, and even the cow. Nope, there’s no milk and therefore no cappuccino. A large coffee is the consolation prize. Pressing the two coffee buttons on the touchscreen, the normal wait produces the liquid of my dreams. One sip and the Westminster chimes signal the dogs that duty calls. A knuckle bone tossed into the soundproof room and a door slam stops the bedlam and saves the window panes from an eventual shatter.

Glancing at the security monitor confirms a visitor so foreign that the “do not ring the doorbell” sign is in a language not yet learned. “What do you want?’ is the question through the intercom. “Letter for Howell” is the answer. “Leave it,” is the order. “Needs signature,” is the rebuff.

Heaving a sigh, the security system shutdown process has begun. The SWAT team needs to be put on standby. A quick text to the leader confirms that status. Also, the flight of A-10 Warthogs must be diverted. Another call to the commander puts that worry to rest. The SEAL team needs to be called off, and a call to the leader makes that possible. The control panel simplifies the shutdown process of the security system. The boiling oil vats are put on standby, the turret mortars disengaged, the Trebuchet on safety, the concertina wire rolled, the Claymore mines reset, the tower Gatling guns on safety, the moat net dropped, the alligators fed, the IEDs and shoulder-held rockets put away. The Proton torpedoes switched off. The locks on the door are thrown. And the door opened.

Standing before me is a character with a large red handlebar mustache, a big cowboy hat, and two six guns. If I had paid a royalty to Warner Bros., I would swear it was Yosemite Sam. But since it can’t be. “Sign here, pardner.” The clipboard has a spot for my signature. After signing, the letter is released. Turning to go back inside, the character says, “Where’s my tip?” “Don’t eat the yellow snow,” is the reply, and the doors slam.

The letter is from Linda Hill and says: Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “blush.” Use as a noun, use it as a verb, use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!

To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. Here is the link: https://lindaghill.com/2025/08/01/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-aug-2-2025/

“Pretty short with the delivery guy. Made me blush.”

“Oh, stop. That is all a figment of my imagination. There are no hurt feelings.”

“Well, if I were the one on the end of that tip, I would have hurt feelings.”

“Admit it. You laughed.”

“Okay. I did.”

“So where is the harm?”

“I see your point. Why don’t you contact Warner Bros. and see if they mind you using their characters?”

“In a past life, I had some experience with Warner Bros.”

“How did that work out?”

“It was fine, but they are pretty strict about their character use.”

“So?”

“I don’t think it would be worth the trouble.”

“Well, okay then. What about your flagrant use of the VooDoo Ranger trademark?”

“What about it?”

“Don’t the folks at New Belgium Brewing get upset?”

“Upset about free advertising?”

“Guess not. And speaking of VooDoo Ranger.”

“Uber?”

“Right over there.”

“I’ll be darned. A Volvo wagon.”

“Yup. Safest wagon on the road.”

“Or at least the one that appeals to the fussiest folks. What year is that?”

“Maybe a 2003. Most look alike, so it’s hard to tell.”

“Well, it will get us there.”

“Just one thing.”

“Yeah, of course.”

“We have to drop off the Cub Scout pack on the way.”

“Doesn’t seem like a big problem.”

“No, except we have to teach them knots.”

“Huh?”

“Yeah, it is knot day at the meeting.”

“Do you know any?”

“I know what not to drink.”

“Idiot.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – “Slipped”

July 29, 2025July 28, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 50 Comments

Today I randomly opened Eternal Road – The final stop to page 143. With eyes closed I pointed to the page and my finger fell closest to the word “slipped.” This is our prompt, today.

“Who left that banana skin there? I almost slipped and fell.”

“Beats me.”

“What do you mean “beats me,” I just saw you eating a banana a few minutes ago.”

“So because I ate a banana I’m the culprit?”

“I would say you are a suspect. Did you or did you not drop the skin.”

“Before I answer let me check one thing.”

“Okay. Check away.”

“Is self incrimination a thing here?”

“Huh?”

“If I declare that I dropped the skin you almost slipped on does that make me guilty.”

“That would be a confession, so yes.”

“I refuse to answer and incriminate myself.”

“Okay wise guy. How about I gather some evidence and prosecute you.”

“Do I get a jury of my peers?”

“I’m sole judge and jury.”

“Which leave the verdict open to appeal.”

“Appeal to who?”

“Or whom as the case may be.”

“Okay to whom?”

“The Supreme Court.”

“There is no Supreme Court here.”

“What is this a third world country?”

“Now that you mention it, Yes. Look around. We are in the rain forest.”

“Well I’ll be a monkey’s uncle.”

“Leave your relatives out of this. As the silver back boss of this troop, I’m the final say.”

“Okay I dropped the skin. There you happy?”

“Such ado about nothing. Go pick it up.”

“Yes boss.”

“And be careful next time. Safety first.”

“You are sounding like a human now.”

“Go wash out your mouth.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Word that Starts with Q

July 26, 2025July 25, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 63 Comments

The quintessential Saturday would be a quiet cup of coffee, a book to read, and a mind soothing finish to a hectic week. Of course, this would require a machine that accepts the fact that it is a servant. Such a Saturday would also require peace and quiet without the jarring interruption that seems to be normal around here. A push of the coffee button produces a surprise. A cup of perfectly made coffee. Hmm there is something wrong here. Taking a sip knowing full well the Westminster chimes will rupture the peace. There is silence.

Taking another gulp of coffee gives the opportunity to grab the clock and set it for a time trip. The clock is set for July 27th.1925. The location is New York City and the time is 11:00. The duration is for an hour. When the plunger is pulled we are taken to Broadway where we are about to see the first autonomous automoble demonstration. And you thought driver less automobiles were a new thing.

The Houdina Radio Control Company, owned by Francis P. Houdina, is giving the first demonstration of a remote controlled automobile. Houdina equipped the driverless American Wonder, a 1926 Chandler car, with a radio antenna and a receiver.

With transmission from another car immediately behind the wonder, The Wonder is guided in New York City. The route goes up Broadway Street and, after a turn, back down Fifth Avenue. The tension rises as the remote controlled car narrowly misses several other vehicles before crashing into a sedan.

Not wanting to wait around for the aftermath the alarm is tripped and we return quickly to the couch. There is a text waiting from Linda Hill. It reads Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “starts with Q.” Think of a word that starts with the letter Q and write your post around it. Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!

To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2025/07/25/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-26-2025/

“So you chose quintessential?”

“Yup. Worked well. I also tossed in quick.”

“I almost missed that. Weren’t you supposed to dedicate your post to the word you chose?”

“Yeah, but Linda knows I’m a bit of a rebel.”

“I’ll say. You are an inspiration.”

“Sound like satire to me.”

“I guess you caught me. I was very surprised driverless cars were being thought about back in 1925.”

“To tell the truth. I was as well.”

What do you say we get a driver and head for the Quench spot?”

“Quench spot?”

“Yeah the pub. Just trying to get in the spirit.”

“Uber?”

“Over there.”

“That is a 1927 Chandler. Like the one used in the demonstration.”

“Yes it is. We get to go to the pub in style.”

“Anything you failed to mention?”

“Nope. We just get in and go.”

“That is a treat.”

“One small thing I forgot.”

“I knew it.”

“The driver put a cooler with VooDoo Rngers in the back seat.”

“Pinch me. This could be the best Saturday yet.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Everything

July 22, 2025July 21, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 76 Comments

Today, I randomly opened Detour on the Eternal Road to page 107 and, with my eyes closed, pointed to the page. The word closest to my finger is “everything.” That is the prompt for today.

“You are my everything.”

“Goodness, you make me blush.”

“No, I mean it.”

“What makes you say that?”

“You want me to detail why I feel you are my everything?”

“I think that would be nice.”

“To begin you provide for us.”

“By provide, you mean?”

“You give us sustenance.”

“Okay?”

“You always make sure we have enough to eat.”

“Oh, now I get it. Is there anything else?”

“Well, you make sure I get plenty of exercise.”

“I guess that is a good thing.”

“You make sure we never take you for granted.”

“Strange. How do I do that?”

“Well, you are very hard to catch.”

“That’s my nature.”

“You are underground and I have to listen carefully to figure out where you are.”

“Earthworms are like that.”

“But it is tough work.”

“Yes, but you robins are built for that.”

“I suppose. Well, the kids are getting pretty hungry, so we ought to get along.”

“I guess I’m invited for dinner.”

“Ha ha ha. Good one. You made me laugh and I dropped you.”

“Good luck next time.”

Tuesday Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Genuine

July 15, 2025July 14, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 52 Comments

Today I randomly opened Detour on the Eternal Road to page 187. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page, and my finger fell closest to the word “genuine.” This is the prompt.

“Yeah sure. Tell me again where you found this?”

“Like I said, it was by a tree, and I was just looking around, and it caught my eye.”

“How did it ‘catch’ your eye?”

“Just look at how brilliant it is. Who would miss that?”

“Do you know how rare it is to find one of these?”

“I know that’s why I was so excited to show it to you.”

“Well, you did the right thing. We first have to determine if it is genuine.”

“How do we do that?”

“The easiest way is to rub it against a tooth. If it feels smooth, it probably is genuine.”

“You say probably. Can’t you be certain?”

“We have to do a couple of other tests.”

“Like?”

“The smell test. One sniff and I can tell the real thing from some kind of imitation.”

“Okay, then what?”

“The final test is taste.”

“Taste?”

“Yup. We put our tongue on it and then try to remember what the taste was of a one-carat treasure.”

“Since I found it, shouldn’t I be the one to determine if it’s genuine?”

“Usually, but I have more experience and can be very objective.”

“Alright, I trust you. Go ahead and tell me if it is genuine.”

“Umm smells right.

“Uh huh.”

“Feels smooth on the tooth.”

“So far, so good.”

“Yum tastes like I remember.”

“Hey, don’t eat the whole thing.”

“Eh, what’s up, Doc. By the way, caret is spelled carrot. Have a nice day.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Curl

July 12, 2025July 11, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 107 Comments

Saturday morning coffee is not a simple item that one wants. It is a crucial part of living that one needs to survive. A steaming cup with a bit of half and half is all that is necessary to continue down life’s path. Reaching for the half and half, a strange feeling came over me. The carton was too warm, and one sniff told me that the use of this would curl my hair. Then it hit me. Not only was coffee without half and half a catastrophic event, but something was obviously wrong with the chiller.

Holding my nose and taking the first sip was interrupted by the familiar Westminster chime of the doorbell. The Hounds of Hell took up their ear-bursting refrain and were redirected by a fresh knucklebone tossed into the soundproof room. Slamming the door brought the sound of silence, which spread like a relief wave over the household. Checking the windows for cracks brought me to the security monitor. Sure enough, centered in the view was a big-eared elephant. “You look like Dumbo,” was my greeting through the intercom.

“Letter for Mr. John,” was the reply. To prevent shutting down the security system, the suggestion was made to drop the letter on the porch. The elephant was having none of that. A mouse in his hat held up a sign. We work for tips. Heaving a sigh, the security system shutdown process has begun. The SWAT team needs to be put on standby. A quick text to the leader confirms that status. Also, the flight of A-10 Warthogs must be diverted. Another call to the commander puts that worry to rest. The SEAL team needs to be called off, and a call to the leader makes that possible. The control panel simplifies the shutdown process of the security system. The boiling oil vats are put on standby, the turret mortars disengaged, the Trebuchet on safety, the concertina wire rolled, the Claymore mines reset, the tower Gatling guns on safety, the moat net dropped, the alligators fed, the IEDs and shoulder-held rockets put away. The Proton torpedoes switched off. The locks on the door are thrown. And the door opened.

“Here’s your tip.” Handing the elephant a bag of peanuts and the mouse a wedge of cheddar, they smiled and, in turn, gave me the letter. The elephant started flapping his ears. Before long, both were airborne and out of sight.

The letter is from Linda Hill and reads: Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “curl.” Use it as a noun, use it as a verb, use it any way you’d like. Have fun!

To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s blog. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2025/07/11/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-12-2025/

“Well, that was a mess.”

“What do you mean?”

“Warm half and half?”

“I just wrote that because then I could use the word curl.”

“Which is the prompt?”

“Correct.”

“A cheap way to do it.”

“Huh?”

“I mean, come on. You made up the story about the half and half. Feels like cheating.”

“Okay, Einstein. Tell me what part of this post is not made up?”

“Um. I think you have me. Time to curl our fingers around a nice cold VooDoo Ranger.”

“Sure, change the subject, why don’t you? Uber?”

“Right over there.”

“Wow, a 1972 Chevy Camaro Z28. Now we are talking.”

“I thought you would like it. I’ll sit in the back.”

“That’s nice of you. So there is always one thing. What is it with this car?”

“Nothing really. All we have to do is pay for gas.”

“Oh, that’s doable.”

“I thought so. Of course, it burns Nitro-methane.”

“How much does that cost?”

“$45.00 a gallon.”

“I almost hate to ask the mileage on this beast.”

“We won’t be going top end, so I would say 5 miles to the gallon.”

“That’s 90 bucks just to get there.”

“But in style, my man, and very quickly.”

“I have a headache.”

“A couple of Voo Doo’s will fix that.”

Reminder

Eternal Road – The final stop – The first book in the Eternal Road series, Kindle edition, is on sale now for 99¢. Sam and James battle Lucifer for the future of mankind. 4.6 stars https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GL135KQ

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Something That Opens”

July 5, 2025July 4, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 77 Comments

Woke to the sound of rain, so a coffee will be quite welcome. A message on the touchscreen leads me to believe the AI inside is seeking entertainment. The message reads, I’m thinking of something that opens. How great is it to have a machine that wants to play games when the low caffeine warning klaxon horn is ready to split the skull. Give up? is the next message. Nodding my head, the machine responds with An application.

I’m not sure if laughing or crying is the correct response, so a smile is all I can offer. The touchscreen comes to life, and the two coffee buttons are quickly pressed. The cup is delivered, and the doorbell delivers a Westminster melody. The hounds of Baskerville want me to know the world is coming to an end. Lucky for me and the glass windows, a knuckle bone is near and tossed into the soundproof room. As the quiet descends, a glance at the security monitor shows someone looking very much like Yogi Bear standing on the porch. Calling out through the intercom verifies that whatever is to be delivered needs a signature.

With a sigh, the security system shutdown process has begun. The SWAT team needs to be put on standby. A quick text to the leader confirms that status. Also, the flight of A-10 Warthogs must be diverted. Another call to the commander puts that worry to rest. The SEAL team needs to be called off, and a call to the leader makes that possible. The control panel simplifies the shutdown process of the security system. The boiling oil vats are put on standby, the turret mortars disengaged, the Trebuchet on safety, the concertina wire rolled, the Claymore mines reset, the tower Gatling guns on safety, the moat net dropped, the alligators fed, the IEDs and shoulder-held rockets put away. The Proton torpedoes switched off. The locks on the door are thrown. And the door opened.

“A pic a nic basket for Howell. Sign here.”

“A big surprise you didn’t keep it.”

“Don’t think I didn’t think about that. BooBoo kept me honest.”

Looking in the basket, there is a note in sight. It is from Linda Hill. It reads Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “something that opens.” Use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!

“Take this basket as a tip.” The bear smiles, and he and the basket disappear down the driveway.

To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. https://lindaghill.com/2025/07/04/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-5-2025/

“That machine is going to be the death of you.”

“Tell me.”

“You know, we could have fun with that prompt.”

“How so?”

“I know of something that opens.”

“Let me guess. VooDoo Ranger bottles.”

“Well, there is that. But I had something else in mind.”

“I find it hard to believe you have anything else in mind.”

“I guess it could be associated with VooDoo Rangers.”

“The pub door?”