Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Morning

A picture of a string with drops of water- the logo for SoCS

 

Saturday morning is the time to collect thoughts, drink coffee, and enjoy the blessings of life. Saturday morning is not the time to sit and wait for some human-made machine to decide it knows better than its master when the aforementioned coffee should be delivered. Being powerless means spending time begging, cajoling, threatening, and bargaining with a hank of a stuck-up contraption that obviously thinks it has more privilege than a millennial.

Finally, the cough and sputter raise my will to live. Yes, the coffee is being proffered through two tiny spouts into my double-walled glass mug. The dark brew is topped off with a brown sugar color head that just begs to be sipped. Halfway to my lips, a rumble and shake cause the miracle elixir to slosh onto a bare foot. Not wanting to lose the rest, hopping around on one foot needs to be delayed. The extreme danger of caffeine withdrawal also delays the desire to rant and use curse words that would make ears bleed.

A huge sip of the soothing liquid steadies all systems so that the cause of the disruption can adequately be investigated. A look out of the newly installed rear window causes the eye to want to run into the yard for a closer look. But, showing restraint, it stays with me while the brain sorts out the details.

There, in the backyard, standing upright, is a gigantic rocket. Its color can only be described as slate blue. Near the top are the words ACME 9. It is apparent that this vehicle descended and made a perfect landing in my yard. What is not apparent is who the heck decided that this morning would be a perfect time to land this thing here. As if in answer to the question, a small parachute drifts to a soft touchdown next to the rocket.

Picking up the parachute yields an envelope attached. It is from Linda Hill, and the message inside reads. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “morning.” Use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!

If you want to enjoy, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is to join in. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2022/11/18/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-nov-19-2022/

Morning by John W. Howell © 2022.

“Good morning.”

“Don’t start.”

“What?”

“Teasing me about the prompt and my introduction.”

“Oh my. Did we get up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?”

“Quit using the prompt, and everything will be fine.”

“Quit using ‘morning?’ Why.”

“Cause I already finished the prompt.”

“But we usually underscore it by throwing the prompt around down here.”

“We don’t need to do that today ’cause I nailed it.”

“Okay. Well, we’ll let the others, judge.”

“Others?”

“Oh, stop. Don’t make me turn you to face the missing fourth wall.”

“We never look over there.”

“That’s what I’m saying. Just take my word. You could have done better.”

“Wait a minute. How many ways can you use ‘morning?'”

“You could be creative like ‘Morning has broken like the first morning.'”

“Thanks, Kat.”

“Or ‘Angel in the Morning.'”

“I get what you are saying. I could have even put a video at the end of the post.”

“Now you’re talking.”

“It’s past morning and time for the pub.”

“Your turn to buy.”

“Wait a minute, I bought last time.”

“Yeah, only cause you wanted more than I could afford.”

“Okay, call Uber, and I’ll post the video.”

“Done.”

“And done.”

 

102 comments

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for sharing the post today, Michael.

      Like

  1. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more's avatar

    Sometimes the morning hours can be really cruel. Nothing works without coffee!;-) Thanks for sharing your thoughts, John! Enjoy your weekend! xx Michael

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Enjoy your weekend as well, Michael. Thank you.

      Like

  2. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    He seems a little more agitated than usual this morning. Probably needs stronger coffee.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think you are right. This is a French Roast. Might need Colombian.

      Like

  3. Lauren's avatar

    It’s three in the morning here. Instead of sleeping, I’m reading bogs. Thanks for the great use of the prompt.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks for letting me know you liked it. I’m glad I scheduled it for 2:00 am your time, Lauren.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. willowdot21's avatar

    Good morning John…. Nice prompt…you did nail it! Tell me how do you neighbours cope with Saturday mornings.
    Great video by the way 💜

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      My neighbors are quite used to the ruckus here. One complained once and I pointed out the tower machine guns and that’s the last I heard from them. The city came out since he complained and when they heard I was a writer they gave me an exemption from the code restrictions. I promised not to mention them in any posts. See, Willow now you got me started. I need to drink more coffee. Good afternoon to you. 😁

      Like

      1. willowdot21's avatar

        And a good one to you too 😉💜💜

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Thank you, Willow

          Like

  5. Dan Antion's avatar

    Well done on the prompt, John and nice music to go along. Shake it off and grab a Voodoo Ranger.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Excellent idea, Dan. 😁 Thanks

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Gwen M. Plano's avatar

    Great response to the prompt, and I love “Sunday Morning.” As I read/listened I had a recurring thought. With all your coffee stories, you could partner with a local brewer (or a brand you frequent) and earn some real money by offering marketing via your stores. Book or weekly episode with a brand/store name, you could do it easily. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think I would love a supply of VooDoo Ranger for sure. Thanks, Gwen. 😁

      Like

  7. GP's avatar

    I knew you had nailed it early, but it sure would have seemed strange if you hadn’t carried on! Good work, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, GP. I think you may be on to my formula. 😁 It would have been strange.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. CG's avatar

    Wonderful!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Chris.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. coldhandboyack's avatar

    Don’t forget to wipe up that mess before the wife rises, or you’ll be in mourning.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Sorryless's avatar

    Now I have Cat Stevens stuck in my head. That’s a good thing, gracias.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. J-Dub's avatar

    Great post! Loved the song. Hadn’t heard it in a while. Nice to listen again.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree, Jill. Thank you. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  12. petespringer's avatar
    petespringerauthor · ·

    Well done, John. Developing a list of songs with “Morning” in the title or lyrics would be interesting. I imagine the list would be rather extensive.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It would be pretty long. Thanks, Pete.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. John Hric's avatar

    I do believe that you and Kat and Chris have embraced the challenge of morning. I hope you all find your best dirty shirt for the Voodoo Ranger…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, John. I have just the shirt.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    That intro was one of your best, a tour de force of a shaggy dog story! For the SoC itself, this was my favorite line: “Don’t make me turn you to face the missing fourth wall.” Love it!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Liz. You say the nicest things.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

        You’re welcome, John.

        Liked by 1 person

  15. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    “…has more privilege than a millenial…” Too funny, John, and that was just the first paragraph! Love all the song references! Happy Saturday!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jan. Happy Saturday to you.

      Like

  16. robertawrites235681907's avatar

    Oh dear, John, you just got rid of the safe and now you have a rocket in your backyard.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      The pitfalls of having Warner Brothers characters as friends. Thanks, Robbie

      Liked by 1 person

  17. quiall's avatar

    You answered the brief perfectly as usual. That Kris Kristofferson song, I am unaware of it and that was so… Touching. Had me in tears.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Aww. I love his music and like this song. Tears are a good thing. Thanks, Pamela.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. C.E.Robinson's avatar

    WOW…Sunday Morning Coming Down says it all for too many people. I’d have to go from tea to an Expresso if I ever had a Sunday morning like that! Great post, John. 📚🎶 Christine

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Christine. I’m glad you liked it. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  19. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    Good job, John! It’s not morning here, but it’s coffee time. 🙂

    Like

  20. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    Great music, too.

    Liked by 1 person

  21. John Holton's avatar

    Ah, classic tune!

    Liked by 1 person

  22. Jill Weatherholt's avatar

    Great job today, John! The Kristofferson tune was new to me. “My cleanest dirty shirt.” LOL! Thank you for brightening my day and for your sweet email. Happy Saturday sung to the tune of Running Bear by Johnny Preston. xo

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jill.

      Liked by 1 person

  23. walkingoffthechessboard's avatar

    I may have seen one too many early morning cartoons, John. When I saw the words “ACME” and “rocket” together I got up and ran out of the room. Since nothing has happened in the last ten minutes or so, I decided to come back to the computer and read the rest of the post. A well-done morning, sir.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. Good one Bruce.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. Chel Owens's avatar

    I can’t say I’ve ever had a prompt dropped by parachute. Maybe I should try coffee.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think maybe that is why. I would stick to tea if that’s so. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  25. Jennie's avatar

    Why do I think Wile E Coyote parachuted down? Your millennial comment was spot on. Great post, and of course…inquiring minds want to know more.

    Like

  26. circadianreflections's avatar

    You did nail it! Well done, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Deborah.

      Liked by 1 person

  27. Resa's avatar

    It’s getting close to Sunday evening, but there’s no prompt for that here & now.
    So, I’ll bank a good morning for Monday am.
    What’s going to happen to the rocket in your yard? How do you get rid of that?

    Kat? A new pal? Or are you just renaming the old pal?

    Seems to me you pay most of the time, when it’s pub time.
    I could be wrong.

    Haven’t heard a Kris Kristofferson song for quite a while. I like it.
    This one makes me think of the movie”Pat Garret and Billy the Kid”.
    Did you see that one. It’s a Sam Peckinpah film, and has the amazing Rita Coolidge in it.

    🐂🐂🐂🐂🐂🚀

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      The rocket in my yard has to stay there till next Saturday when I can deal with it. Kat is for Cat Stevens the singer of “morning has broken like a new morning” Here is the link https://youtu.be/3jbQ-v5RRE4 Yes I misspelled his name. I always liked Kris’ music. I have not seen “Pat Garret and Billy the Kid.” Cool emoji of a rocket 🐂🐂🐂🐂🐂🚀🐂🐂🐂🐂🐂🚀

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Resa's avatar

        Oboy! I can hardly wait to see how you deal with the rocket, man! hehehe
        I really like Cat Steven’s songs. Haven’t heard many.
        Bob Dylan and James Coburn are also in the movie.
        It’s wonderful what one can hitch up to a team of oxen!
        🐂🐂🐂🐂🐂🚀 🐂🐂🐂🐂🐂🚀🐂🐂🐂🐂🐂🚀

        Like

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          And go to the moon as well. 🐂🐂🐂🐂🐂🚀🐂🐂🐂🐂🐂🚀🐂🐂🐂🐂🐂🚀

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Resa's avatar

          🌕🐂🐂🐂🐂🐂🚀🌑 ox ox ox

          Like

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          Three little ones. Oh my.🌕🐂🐂🐂🐂🐂🚀🌑 ox ox ox

          Liked by 1 person

        4. Resa's avatar

          I know! ox ox ox 💋

          Liked by 1 person

        5. John W. Howell's avatar

          Finally got it straight. ox ox ox 🥃 👀

          Like

  28. Lauren Scott, Author's avatar

    Wow, John, from coffee to the pub; nothing like a productive day! 😊🍻 Great job on the prompt, and the opening was just as entertaining as always. Loved the video, too, but hadn’t heard that song in a long time either. Oh, and a rocket in your backyard? My life should be as exciting. 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Well it does keep me busy (life that is) Thanks, Maggie.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Lauren Scott, Author's avatar

        Hi John, you responded to me, Lauren. 😊

        Like

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Sorry Lauren. Don’t know why I wrote Maggie.

          Liked by 1 person

  29. kethuprofumo's avatar

    When Saturday comes I always remember your wonderful coffee areas, dear John. There is no life without it, for sure!🙂🙂🙂🍺🍤🍤🍤☕

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It is a must. At least for me. Thank you, Maria.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. kethuprofumo's avatar

        Same here, dear John! Coffee is the basis of creativity as well as a good strong Earl Grey tea.🙃😁 🍻🍤🍤🍤

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          I agree. Love Earl Grey too. 😁

          Liked by 1 person

        2. kethuprofumo's avatar

          Oh, it is a classic Russian taste, by the way! We are soul mates, dear John! 🙂 ☕☕☕🍰

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          I could have told you that. I think one of my lives was spent in Russia. (or maybe even Poland)

          Liked by 1 person

        4. kethuprofumo's avatar

          😁😁😁 You might be Russian & then Polish! Why not? Our soul is travelling…In fact, our passions now are mostly our recollections of the past. And from time to time you visited Versailles. I like this route. 😎😎😎☕🍰
          PS: As soon as my Brazilian is fine, I’m going to learn the Polish as one of my intentions is to reconstruct the family tree. Meanwhile I’m preparing the text-books.

          Liked by 1 person

        5. John W. Howell's avatar

          Goodness you have an immense amount of brain power. Way to go. Here is some Earl Grey 🫖 and cake 🍰

          Liked by 1 person

        6. kethuprofumo's avatar

          😂😂😂 That’s very kind of you, dear John! Thank you!

          Liked by 1 person

        7. John W. Howell's avatar

          It is the truth.

          Liked by 1 person

        8. kethuprofumo's avatar

          🍻🍤🍤🍤🎉🙃

          Liked by 1 person

  30. Dale's avatar

    There must be days where that machine is more of a nemesis than a saviour!
    I love me some Kris…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I love me some Kris too. Thanks, Dale. The machine has a mind of its own. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale's avatar

        So good. And machine – not cool! 😉

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Well it is Italian after all.

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Dale's avatar

          There is that. And we know how volatile they can be 😉

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          Reminds me of an Alpha Romero I used to drive for a friend. The dang thing would lose brakes or a gear with no notice. I wrote about it in The Last Drive. I did lose a girlfriend when the car needed a shove. (Last straw kind of thing)

          Liked by 1 person

        4. Dale's avatar

          You drove for a friend…. there is more story behind that phrase! Yes, I remember! Well hell…. she wasn’t being fair. It wasn’t your car, after all!

          Liked by 1 person

        5. John W. Howell's avatar

          The friend’s wife hated the car and he didn’t want to sell it so I drove it. Let’s just say the car was the last straw. 😁

          Liked by 1 person

        6. Dale's avatar

          Ahhhh…. I see now 😉

          Liked by 1 person

        7. John W. Howell's avatar

          Was a 1959 convertible. Chick magnet for sure.

          Liked by 1 person

        8. Dale's avatar

          No doubt… though I am sure the driver had something to do with it, too 😉

          Liked by 1 person

        9. John W. Howell's avatar

          Once she gave me my walking papers.

          Liked by 1 person

        10. Dale's avatar

          Haha! Oh well…

          Liked by 1 person

  31. Kurt Frazier Sr.'s avatar

    Why is it that hot morning coffee feels wonderful going to the inside, but inflicts pain on the outside? I enjoyed the post.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It is all in the brain. Thanks, Kurt.

      Like