Staring at the coffee machine does little to hasten the machinations. Instead, it takes its sweet time and is not responsive to any attempt to intimidate a quicker cup. Then, finally, the black liquid begins to pour from the spout, followed by a creamy foam. The aroma hits the olfactories and stuns the central nervous system’s addictive sensuality.
“Drink it,” screams the pain-addled brain. Thinking that is a good idea, the cup moves jerkingly to the lips. The sip and sigh combo broadcast to the body a message to hold on for a few seconds more. At last, the warmth spreads from the stomach to all sensory points. The body politic is in rapture over the calming effects of caffeine.
At last, there is the notice of a trail of corn kernels leading across the backyard to a box-like contraption supported by a stick. Leaving the protection of the house, an investigation shows someone has set a trap. The stick is tied to a string that meanders off and under the gate. Most certainly, this situation will begin a trial of some magnitude.
It wasn’t long until a roadrunner arrived on the scene, picking up and eating the corn. A quick beep beep sound caused me to jump out of the way. The roadrunner didn’t seem to be worried about the box trap and went about eating all the corn inside. The string goes taut, and the roadrunner jumps out of the way as the stick flies toward the gate.
A quick beep beep, and the roadrunner disappears around the corner. An envelope from Linda Hill on the turf is obviously dropped by the bird. Inside is a message which reads:
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “trail/trial.” Use one, use both, use them any way you’d like. Bonus points if you use both. Have fun!
If you want to have similar fun, visit Linda Hill’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2022/05/27/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-may-28-2022/
Trail/Trial by John W. Howell © 2022
“Well, you obviously got the bonus points.”
“Yeah. Isn’t it sweet?”
“I still don’t get the cartoon characters.”
“What’s not to get?”
“Why do you use them?”
“Cause they are fun. What’s wrong with having fun?””
“Like the roadrunner can’t carry an envelope.”
“Who says?”
“Logic.”
“Look around.”
“Yeah, what?”
“Where is it written that this place has any logic? This is fiction, for heaven’s sake.”
“But you take us down a rabbit trail every week.”
“Do you know what a trial it is to create a rabbit trail?”
“Makes me want to turn to drink.”
“Good idea.”
“Huh?”
“No excuse, too small to head for the pub. The fact that there is no logic here is a perfect excuse.”
“I’ll buy.”
“You are the best.”
“You drive.”
“The roadrunner can do that.”
“Not surprised. I’m not going to look a gift roadrunner in the mouth.”
“Here he comes.”
“Do we tip?”
“A few kernels extra, yeah.”
Fiction Favorites 
Good one, John. Makes me smile on this Saturday morning. 🙂
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I’m so glad, Tim. 😊
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Delightful absurdity! (This narrator brings the notion of “coffee fiend” to a whole other level.)
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Ha ha ha. Thanks, Liz. 😊
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You’re welcome, John.
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😊
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Nice one, John! Happy Saturday!
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Thanks, Jill. Happy Saturday to you *sung to the tune of Easy on Me by Adele.
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Ha ha ha! I’m not sure which I enjoy most your stream of consciousness or your introduction to it!
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Thank you, Pamela. So glad you like them. 😊
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I agree with Quiall, your imagination knows no bounds, John.
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You are so nice, GP. Thank you.
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Why do I think the roadrunner has pulled the mailman gag in cartoons?
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I think he/she has. I recall a sack around the bird.
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I remember holding up signs too.
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That is true.
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Logic ! It is just a four letter word with a c stuck to it. And it has just as little to do with reality as it does with comics. Thank goodness you did not let it get in the way of getting to the bar…
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No never. The bar above all.
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Good stuff today
The only things missing were Wiley Coyote and the Acme Catalog
Roadrunner is one of my all-time favorites. Thanks for the humor.
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Thank you, Tom.
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There’s a roadrunner on the desert trail I walk. He’s often darting about and at times has something in his beak. Now you’ve got me wondering if he could carry a letter. This will be my test or trial to figure out. 😁 Have a great day, John.
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He may be trying to deliver it to you. You never know.
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I always love your rabbit trails, John. I’d follow them almost anywhere, except into a trap. And, by the way, if the roadrunner can’t carry a note, then I don’t think a coyote can open a can of corn, set a trap or order supplies from Acme. Enjoy your beer and have a great weekend.
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Thank you, Mary. VooDoo Ranger is calling to me.
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Thank heaven I already had my coffee because reading this preparation had all the feels bubbling up. Just a sip assuaged the need 😉
Excellent use of the words, as per expected. And unlike your friend who questions the visit of the various characters, I am more of a go-with-the-flow and enjoy-the-moment kinda gal 😉 Keep ’em coming!
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Thank you so much, Dale.🤗
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You have yourself a fantabulous Saturday!
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Thank you , Dale and I wish you the same.
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Thank you, kind sir!
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🤗
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This is a fun way to start my Saturday morning. Thank you for the laughs.
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Thank you fro letting me know you enjoyed it Lauren. 😁
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Nothing like a hot cup of Joe to start your Saturday. (And I DON’T mean the Joe in the White House! That Joe is barely lukewarm, at best)
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Stone cold Joe. Thanks, Ron.
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Ahhh, coffee, elixir of the gods. You captured the craving perfectly, lol. I miss Saturday morning cartoons, so your pieces on the road runner is like running into an old friend 🙂
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I miss Saturday cartoons too. I think this is my way of compensating. Thank you, Jacquie.
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Well, suppose it had to be the Roadrunner, coyotes don’t eat corn.
Shouldn’t it be a rabbit hole, which is probably what I’m going down now?
I believe roadrunners each have a secret pouch tucked in their feathers.
I’m sure I heard something about that, from WW1 tales, when they were called carrier roadrunners.
They would carry secret messages past enemy lines. They were so fast the enemy only saw dust.
I’m sure of it!
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I remember carrier roadrunners. They got some kind of hero medal in France. Of course, several got drunk and had to be airlifted back to the desert. Still they served with distinction.
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🤣
I believe it was the French – Croix De Guerre pour Transporteur Géocoucou Medal.
Too bad about that drunken ruckus, but I’m with you!
They served with honour!
I think it’s a disgrace that they don’t get their own emoji!!!!!
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That would be terrific if they had their own emoji. 🐓 This chicken emoji just doesn’t cut it.
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Neither does this Dodo! 🦤
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Nor 🦩
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True! WHY oh WHY is there no roadrunner emoji? 😭
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I don’t understand either. I just googled it and there is a way to make an emoji with an app. Might have to look into that.
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Good idea! There are a lot of dog breed emojis missing. People would love that! The Emoji people have made an error!
While you’re at it, there is no MOP emoji!
Sponge sure, but when dealing with the loving drooling kisses of Marina’s dog, Hera, you need a lot of sponges!
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I am familar with dog kisses. 😊
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I figured! 😊 A virtual Resa kiss – no sponge needed! X
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Thank you. I liked that.
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The road runner always got away with it. Just once I’d have loved to have seen Wyl E Coyote win 😂. Love the line “this is fiction for heaven’s sake”. We don’t need no stinking logic 😂. Happy Saturday John!
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Thank you, Jill. Yes we always have to keep the “fiction.” state of nature in the mind.
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Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thank you for sharing, Michael.
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Thanks for a great smile, with the rabbit trail, John! Have a beautiful weekend! xx Michael
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Thank you for the kind message, Michael. I hope the rest of your weekend is terrific
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Love love your introductions, that Roadrunner he’s a case was he usually chased by Wil. E. Coyote 💜💜. I hope he was a good driver 💜💜
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Yes. He was usually chased by Wil E. Coyote. I’m sure he was a good driver.
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Lol hope so 😄
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😊
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Your posts always bring a smile to my face, John! I love your wit xo
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Thank you, Marie. I enjoy doing them.
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The nectar of the Gods to begin this trail, followed by the trials of fact vs fiction . . and finishing with a different nectar of the Gods at the end. Perfect.
And uh, Happy (Belated) Birthday, young man
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Yes it was a alpha and omega journey, Pilgrim. Thank you for the birthday wish. 😁
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Love it.
🙂
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😁
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I’d be disappointed if the coffee was fiction. Reassure me that it’s not. 👍
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The coffee is real, Steve. Hot, foamy, rich Colombian brew. Yum.
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Good John. I’m on the trail to Starbucks for a dark brew. Through trial and error (and going broke) we eliminated anything but the dark brews.
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My machine makes a nice strong cup.
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I’m happy to see the roadrunner stop by 🙂
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Beep, beep.
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HI John, I have been wondering if the roadrunner would show up. He’s my favourite. Although it can be a bit of a trial to what him zipping along the trail so fast.
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Yes. One has to look quick. Thanks, Robbie.
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That was fun! You nailed the prompt. Your coffee build-up is as good as the cartoon characters.
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It’s my ode to coffee. An important beverage in my life. 😁
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Ode to coffee. Now, that is just perfect. Coffee is life, right?
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AS close as it gets to life. 😁☕️
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Yes! The first time Hubby and I went camping with friends, no one brought the coffee.😳
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I hope you eliminated the friends from your camping invite list.
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Yes, I did!! Headache was an an understatement.
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😁
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Pure entertainment, John! A roadrunner Uber driver. 🙂 Good one and great use of the prompt!
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Thank you, Jan.
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